Cincinnati Bengals: Ja'Marr Chase Could Become NFL's Highest-Paid Non-Quarterback
Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins could be grabbing very large paychecks this offseason.
Speaking at the NFL Scouting Combine on Tuesday, Bengals Director of Player Personnel Duke Tobin said the organization is prepared to make Chase the league's highest-paid non-quarterback. Chase won the triple crown in 2024, leading the NFL in receptions (127), receiving yards (1,708) and touchdown catches (17).
Meanwhile, Tobin believes the Bengals also have the salary-cap flexibility to also re-sign wide receiver Tee Higgins, who is a pending free agent. Cincinnati may use the franchise tag on Higgins for the second straight year, but Tobin wants to sign both Chase and Higgins to long-term contracts.
"I think you guys all know what I feel about Tee Higgins," Tobin said. "I think Tee Higgins is a fantastic football player and I want him on my football team. Whenever I'm in charge of a football team, I want Tee Higgins. Our preference with Tee Higgins is to do a long-term agreement, always has been, it continues to be, and we'll work hard to get that done.
"We've managed our cap well. We've got low dead money. We want a high payroll and low dead money so the people that are in Cincinnati playing for us can get all the money. We're in a position to re-sign these guys. It's a good position to be in and we're going to attack it."
Franchise quarterback Joe Burrow has been outspoken this offseason about wanting to see the Bengals reward both Chase and Higgins with new deals. Tobin said he's working to accomplish that goal.
"It's a tall task," Tobin said. "We think we're up to it."
Cleveland Browns: General Manager Has No Interest in Trading Myles Garrett
Myles Garrett has asked to be traded, but the Browns don't plan to oblige.
General Manager Andrew Berry reiterated his position that the Browns intend to keep the league's two-time Defensive Player of the Year. Talks at the Combine often lead to deals getting made. But while Berry didn't say how many teams had inquired about Garrett, the Browns insist trading their star edge rusher isn't up for discussion.
"We can't imagine a situation where not having Myles as a part of the organization is best for the Browns," Berry said via Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com . "... We don't have an interest in trading Myles."
Garrett's frustration over Cleveland's 3-14 season in 2024 is part of the reason he has asked to be traded. Speaking on ESPN's "NFL Countdown" during Super Bowl week, Garrett said, "I don't feel like our future is aligned with winning right now. And that's what I'm looking forward to do at this stage of my career."
Berry said the Browns are planning for a bounce-back season in 2025, which includes having Garrett on the roster.
"Everybody's frustrated with last year," Berry said. "I think where you can have a difference of opinion is the approach that it takes and some of the hard decisions that have to be made as you transition forward. But like I said, our perspective is we're going to do the things to improve the team and one of the things that is very important is having Myles as part of the organization."
Having the No. 2 pick in the draft is part of Cleveland's offseason rebuild. In his latest mock draft, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. has the Browns taking Miami (Fla.) quarterback Cam Ward. However, Berry said the Browns are not locked into taking a quarterback with the second pick.
"What we'll look to do is maximize the No. 2 [pick], that's whether we select a quarterback, select a non-quarterback or move the asset," Berry said.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Offseason Goal Is to 'Get More Playmakers'
The Steelers had a disappointing ending to their season despite making the playoffs, dropping their last five games, including a playoff loss to the Ravens.
General Manager Omar Khan said a major offseason goal will be to add more offensive playmakers. Pittsburgh didn't have a 1,000-yard receiver, and leading rusher Najee Harris (1,043 yards) and quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields are all pending free agents.
"Based on how the season ended last year, the reality is we've got to get more playmakers," Khan said. "I think we all recognize that. The process starts now."
Khan did not rule out a possible contract extension for wide receiver George Pickens, who led Pittsburgh with (900 receiving yards) on 59 catches.
"I had a really solid exit meeting with G.P.," Khan said. "I can tell you he has desire to be great. We have a desire for him to be great, and to be great here. With respect to the contract, we won't discuss that publicly."
While the Steelers' starting quarterback situation remains a fluid situation, Khan said he has spoken to representatives for both Wilson and Fields.
"All options are on the table," Khan said. "We'll see where it goes."
