The Cincinnati Bengals have obviously placed a great deal of focus on their playmakers over the last few seasons.
This was especially clear when wide receiver Jermaine Burton was selected by the team in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, and when Ja’Marr Chase was selected with the fifth overall pick in 2021. With offensive expert and former quarterback Zac Taylor in charge, this squad is undoubtedly aware of what it wants to accomplish offensively.
This team cherishes wide receivers more than any other position on the field, with the exception of the quarterback position, yet they find themselves in a difficult situation. Even though Chase has become a standout on the offensive end of the ball, many supporters were worried about this and preferred that the team select Penei Sewell, an All-Pro offensive tackle, in 2021 over the LSU wide receiver.
The organization will face a significant challenge in trying to pay both Chase and the gifted secondary wide receiver Tee Higgins without completely gutting the squad now that they are both eligible for large contract extensions.
The wide receiver position is currently a black hole for this club, and it is quite unclear what this position group will look like in a year or two. During this week’s optional team activities (OTAs), talented 2023 sixth-round draft pick Andrei Iosivas voiced his opinions.
I’m hoping I can get the confidence from the coaches,” Iosivas said, according to ESPN’s Ben Baby. “I’m not sure if they can pay Tee. He’ll probably get a lot of money. He’s a really good receiver. Hopefully I can step into that role.”
While Iosivas is just one of a handful of players planning to battle it out for the slot receiver position left vacant following the departure of perennial fan favorite Tyler Boyd during free agency, he is actually amongst the favorites to win the position.
Many fans are anticipating that Burton will make a splash coming into the league out of the University of Alabama but Iosivas certainly proved himself a capable receiver last season.
While these three players are battling for the third starting receiver spot, it is almost a guarantee that the second spot will be vacated last year unless the franchise can make a miracle happen with a suitable contract for Higgins.
It has been publicized recently that there is a major gap between what the two parties are looking for but Higgins has certainly been a staple on this Cincinnati offense since he was drafted with the 33rd pick of the 2020 NFL Draft. While he has made quite a dramatic ordeal of the situation, both fans and coaches will be devastated to see him leave.
Leave a Reply