HoosierCat

Some thoughts from cbs' "agent's take" column. Yeah, given that the Bengals don't seem to be in any hurry to spend down the circa $22 million in cap space they have left for this year (though I think $5-6 million of that will got toward extending McMoney, he's the only 2025 FA that jumps out at me as a "must" candidate to extend now) and Chase is already set to count $21 million against next year's cap, the "giant SB plus outrageous cash flow" approach seems most likely. Imagine Chase getting something like four years and $140 million with like $70 million in year one between the SB and salary and $100 million through year two. Maybe they toss a void year on the end of the deal and convert the year two salary into a bonus to spread out the hit more, I dunno.

Another day, another WR wants a bag. https://www.nfl.com/news/49ers-wr-brandon-aiyuk-not-present-at-mandatory-minicamp-amid-search-for-new-contract

For those interested, here's Dehner's take in full. tl;dr - he argues the Bengals will likely wait until next summer to extend Chase, so no deal this year. He expects a deal will get done eventually but it's also possible the Bengals flatly refuse to give guarantees beyond year one to anyone but Burrow. So there's a non-zero chance that it could all blow up.

I feel the need to give our head coach props for his fantastic trolling of the local sports media and terminally online Bengals fans today. Well played, Mr. Taylor, well played indeed. https://www.wcpo.com/sports/football/bengals/bengals-quarterback-joe-burrow-absent-from-bengals-ota-on-tuesday

The best argument for keeping both Chase and Higgins is to go back and look at how long it took and what it cost to replace Houshmanzadeh. First they threw his money at Coles, who immediately went to crap. Then they spent a second round pick on Simpson, who busted, and a fourth on Caldwell, who was meh. Then, of course, there was Batman. Finally they spent a third on Sanu. Yay! So it took two failed FA signings, three draft picks and four years. Everyone is a cinch to replace until they leave. Then we're all singing Joni Mitchell.

Theoretically, the Bengals could hold onto Chase through the 2027 season (so four years counting 2024) for something like $90 million: $30 million for 2024 and 2025, then two tags for circa $60 million. This would be a PR nightmare for the reasons Amphar already noted, plus it would tie up the tag for two years, potentially letting talent at other spots bleed away. Buuuuuut it would be significantly cheaper than a four year extension, which at the current market rate would be around $140 million with $120 million guaranteed. To be clear I don't expect them to do that, but looking at those numbers I can easily see how the two sides might have very different contract numbers in mind.

And so it begins... Translation: Bengals, Chase not close on money. What money specifically, you ask? It's the same old story Same old song and dance, my friend -- Aerosmith

Interesting to me mostly because he was the backup center. One more tea leaf re how they feel about our seventh round pick.

No argument, signing Chase now makes the most sense for both sides. We’ll see how it goes.

Scharping signs in Philly. https://www.si.com/nfl/bengals/news/former-cincinnati-bengals-guard-max-scharping-signs-with-philadelphia-eagles-01hzfrpj3b9n

No idea if they get something done before the season starts, but it feels unlikely to me. Not hugely so, but, like 70/30 against. I'm sure the Bengals would prefer to wait until next year, and handing Chase a big bag while Tee is chained up by the tag (and with clearly no shot at a new deal here) would be...awkward. If they do deal Tee I think the chance of an extension before opening day increases substantially. Otherwise (and I don't think they will deal Tee, just sayin') I might look at December. If all is going well maybe they pull the trigger around Christmas like they did years ago with Palmer.

No more excuses now.

I’ll bring the big cooler of lemonade.

Looks like we are back up to speed! Thanks B24!

$76 million guaranteed for just three years (and basically a 90% guaranteed contract). Don't show Mike this story, his heart can't take it. https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/40244650/sources-dolphins-wr-jaylen-waddle-agree-8475m-extension

I dropped a DM to B24, hopefully he can take a look at it.

Yeah the site is slow as molasses. Takes about 30 seconds to respond to a request.

My guess is they don't have the cash on hand to cover the escrow for the $50 million-plus guaranteed Chase is going to get. They could borrow against next year's big fat shared revenues check from the league...but they would have to pay interest on the loan and that would come out of their pocket, so they'll wait until next year. Chase gets a bigger bag as a result but as far as the team is concerned that all comes from funds allocated for players, not the team's cut of the pie.

Speaking of WRs, Chase's price just went up again. https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/texans-nico-collins-agree-to-massive-extension-that-will-pay-wr-more-than-stefon-diggs-in-2024-per-report/

Josh Tupou now a Raven. https://www.cincyjungle.com/2024/5/28/24166704/josh-tupou-ravens-bengals

Bengals former 1st rounder John Ross is un-retiring at 28. https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/40204353/eagles-sign-wr-john-ross-1-year-deal-tryout

The MNF game against DC in week 3 will be Ring of honor game this year. https://www.bengals.com/news/cincinnati-bengals-ring-of-honor-voting-2024-press-release This years nominees are: Jim Breech James Brooks Cris Collinsworth Corey Dillon David Fulcher Tim Krumrie Dave Lapham Max Montoya Lemar Parrish Bob Trumpy Reggie Williams If I had a vote it would be Reggie and Tim.

Interesting take by Goodberry. He’s got his own QB-based schedule analysis system that’s worked for him. Thinks 11 wins is the floor, 14 the ceiling.

Insert sad trombone sound here.

Fake game schedule: Week 1: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Saturday, Aug. 10, 7:00pm ET) Week 2: @ Chicago Bears (Saturday, Aug. 17, 1:00pm ET) Week 3: vs. Indianapolis Colts (Friday, Aug. 22, 8:00pm ET) Might have to take a trip in to Soldier Field this August.