Duke Tobin’s Optimism at the NFL Combine
INDIANAPOLIS — Duke Tobin, the director of player personnel and de facto general manager of the Cincinnati Bengals, took the stage at the NFL Combine and fielded questions for an extended 30 minutes. This was twice the usual duration, primarily because of the intense focus on how the Bengals plan to secure new contracts for their star trio — Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Trey Hendrickson. Tobin’s humor about the frequency of these questions did little to overshadow his confidence. "I’m pretty run out here," he joked, but his optimism about re-signing all three players was unmistakable.
Financial Flexibility and Strategic Planning
Cincinnati finds itself in a favorable position with $58.1 million in effective salary cap space for 2025, placing them eighth in the league, according to Over The Cap. The Bengals also boast only $2.3 million in dead money, the third-lowest in the NFL, which underscores their financial flexibility. Tobin’s assurance is not unfounded; he emphasized that the Bengals have managed their cap well and are committed to maintaining a high payroll with low dead money. "We’re in a good position to re-sign these guys," he stated, adding that they are eager to tackle this ambitious goal.
Prioritizing Tee Higgins
The Bengals’ immediate priority is securing a long-term deal for receiver Tee Higgins, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent next month. While the franchise tag remains an option, it would cost $26.2 million for the 2025 season, which is 120% of his last season’s salary. However, this would be a temporary measure. Higgins is seeking a multi-year deal with an average annual value (AAV) exceeding $30 million, placing him among the top-seven at his position. Tobin highlighted that Higgins is a perfect fit for the team, emphasizing their mutual desire to continue the relationship.
Resetting the Market with Ja’Marr Chase and Trey Hendrickson
Following Higgins, the Bengals aim to sign Ja’Marr Chase to a contract that would likely top $35 million per year, surpassing Justin Jefferson’s current record for the highest AAV for a non-quarterback. Defensive end Trey Hendrickson, despite being 30, has 35 sacks over the past two seasons, including a league-high 17.5 in 2024. Hendrickson could also reset the market for edge rushers, potentially matching or exceeding the $34 million per year Nick Bosa currently holds. By the end of the offseason, if all goes according to plan, the Bengals could have four players making over $30 million annually, including quarterback Joe Burrow.
Managing the Salary Cap
The Bengals’ strategy hinges on managing the salary cap effectively. Joe Burrow’s cap number will increase to $46 million in 2025, which is more than 16% of the team’s salary cap. However, new contracts for Chase, Higgins, and Hendrickson could keep cap charges low in the immediate future. This financial flexibility will also allow the Bengals to address their defensive needs, which have been a significant issue in recent seasons. Cincinnati ranked 25th in points allowed in 2024, a stark contrast to their sixth-place ranking in scoring with Burrow leading the offense.
Building a Stronger Team
Tobin is clear that the goal is not just to re-sign these stars but to enhance the entire team. "We don’t want to just re-sign these guys and pay more for the same football team we had last year," he said. "We want to add to it as well." The Bengals are determined to build a well-rounded roster that can compete at the highest level. By securing long-term deals for their key players and using the cap space wisely, they aim to strengthen both their offense and defense, positioning themselves for a return to the playoffs.
Conclusion
Duke Tobin’s confidence and strategic approach paint a promising picture for the Bengals. With significant salary cap space and a commitment to maintaining a high payroll, the team is well-positioned to re-sign Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Trey Hendrickson. The challenge is substantial, but the rewards could be transformative. The Bengals are not only focused on retaining their star players but also on building a stronger, more competitive team. If successful, this ambitious plan could set the stage for a formidable Bengals squad in the coming years.
