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The Cincinnati Bengals are navigating a pivotal offseason, but their roster decisions have raised concerns.
One of them is former New York Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum.
Bengals could alienate Joe Burrow
With key players either departing or uncertain about their future, Tannenbaum warns that the franchise could be risking Joe Burrow's long-term commitment.
"If I'm Cincinnati, I'm significantly worried about Joe Burrow," Tannenbaum said on ESPN's Get Up.
"He sat down with ESPN and Laura Rutledge at the Super Bowl and he talked in great detail about what players should get paid, cap numbers and cash flow, and (now) you're tagging Tee Higgins for the second consecutive year. Those guys (should) never, ever leave your building, ever. Tee Higgins needs to get paid, and if I'm Cincinnati, I'm worried about is Joe Burrow all-in here?"
The Bengals have already made several key moves, including releasing starting right guard Alex Cappa, who has since signed with the Las Vegas Raiders, and granting defensive end Trey Hendrickson permission to seek a trade.
Meanwhile, Higgins remains on the franchise tag for a second straight year, and star wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase is also seeking a new deal.
Despite Burrow's past comments about keeping the team's core intact, Cincinnati has yet to secure extensions for its top talents.
"We can make it happen," Burrow told Cincinnati.com in February, expressing confidence that the organization would find a way to retain Higgins, Chase, and Hendrickson.
"And it just has to be right for everybody involved. I know the players want to make it work. We all want to be together. So I don't see it not working out, but we'll see."
So far, the Bengals' biggest commitment this offseason has been to tight end Mike Gesicki, who is set to sign a three-year, $25.5 million contract.
While Gesicki proved to be a reliable target for Burrow last season, the lack of long-term security for key contributors like Higgins and Hendrickson could raise questions about the team's direction.
With over $50 million in cap space available, Cincinnati has room to make additional moves.
However, if their current strategy continues, the concern isn't just about losing top players, it's about whether their franchise quarterback might start questioning his own future with the team.