Regarding the Cincinnati Bengals’ roster construction for the upcoming season, Duke Tobin’s statement seems familiar.
For the first time since July, the Bengals director of player personnel addressed the media on Tuesday while scouting at the Senior Bowl in advance of the draft.
When asked if Ja’Marr Chase would receive his extension and whether upcoming free agents Tee Higgins and Jonah Williams would also return, Tobin resorted to the pie metaphor that he frequently employed the previous season to explain how Joe Burrow’s extension would impact other players in need of agreements.
According to Tobin, the company aims to retain as many of its top earners as it can, but there is a limited amount of money available for salary caps.
“Ja’Marr is someone we like and we have long-term plans for,” Tobin said to Bengals.com writer Geoff Hobson. In this league, he plays at a very high level. And those are the players we want to remain on our squad. I desire Tee Higgins’ return. We’d all like to see Tee Higgins return. A pie and several items are present.
Although he is eligible for an extension, Chase is only under contract for another year. He would like to do this before the 2024 season, ideally after Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson inks a new contract. Unless the Bengals decide to utilize the franchise tag to retain Higgins or somehow work out a new contract, Higgins will become a free agent in March.
Bengals.com reports that Tobin declined to comment on the likelihood of Higgins receiving the franchise tag before being traded or on Chase’s declared intention to sign after Jefferson.
Another offensive starter who is scheduled to become a free agency and may be challenging to replace is Williams. This past season, Tobin told Bengals.com that Williams moved from left tackle to right tackle with ease, and that other clubs might be open to giving Williams a larger share of their own pie.
“It was striking,” Tobin remarked. “He demonstrated his versatility, which will work well with him in the long run.”
Regardless of the organization’s interest in getting Williams back or the potential need to replace Higgins, the Bengals are focusing on offensive and defensive linemen at the Senior Bowl for the time being.
Tobin told Bengals.com, “There hasn’t been a year that we don’t want to continue developing both lines of scrimmage.” The game might be won or lost there. Every team has outstanding talent players that you need to make huge plays with and who demand possession of the ball when things get tight. However, everyone at the Senior Bowl is focused on the line of scrimmage because that is where the game is won or lost.
“Those are the guys that are difficult to locate. Teams are forced to rely on their tackles when they acquire a fantastic rusher. And there’s a serious issue if they can’t handle it. You want to be the opposing team’s problem and find a solution for yourself.
On February 27 in Indianapolis, Tobin is also slated to address the media at the NFL Combine.
