Bengals will make Joe Burrow’s job only tougher in 2025, NFL analyst suggests

Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has had a rough go of it this season. After missing most of the 2023 season, many braced for Burrow to resemble his 2021 form in his return. Even though Burrow has put up superb numbers, the Bengals have not been able to win games thanks to lackluster defense.

While losing teams usually don't have to worry about keeping pieces together, the Bengals do with star receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins both looking for new contracts. However, NFL analyst Mike Florio believes both receivers probably won't be able to stick around. Speaking on Wednesday's episode of "Pro Football Talk," Florio backed one over the other.

"I've always believed they were going to keep Ja'Marr Chase and find another Tee Higgins and I think after the season they'll get Ja'Marr Chase paid. But I don't think they're going to keep all three guys together. I don't think you can afford to keep all three guys together," Florio said.

If the Bengals do go in that direction with the wide receiver room, they will hope the next receiver is capable of matching Higgins' chemistry and fit with Burrow. Otherwise, Cincinnati's offense could take an ill-afforded hit, especially considering the state of the struggling defense.

Higgins on pace to beat 2023 production

Tee Higgins at Pittsburgh Steelers v Cincinnati Bengals - Source: Getty

Tee Higgins came into the season needing to display something big under the franchise tag. Instead, his 2024 season has resembled 2023.

Last season, he registered 656 yards and five touchdowns in a dropoff from 2022, when he racked up 1,029 yards and seven touchdowns.

Currently, he has 581 yards and five touchdowns. If Higgins' season were to end tomorrow, his production will have essentially taken a small step back. However, all signs point toward Higgins beating out his 2023 numbers in receiving yards and touchdowns with four games to go.

Higgins was looking for a big deal in the offseason. Unless he dominates the next month in an unprecedented way, he likely will have played his season with the Bengals unless Higgins looks for a pay cut or Cincinnati finds a way to accomodate him in the team's salary cap.