Stability, Not Change, Sparks New Energy in Cincinnati
A talent-rich Bengals offense didn’t require a philosophical overhaul or new personnel to reenergize for the 2025 season. Instead, Cincinnati chose continuity, retaining its dynamic wide receiving duo by awarding big-money contract extensions to Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
This move has already made an impression, especially on veteran left tackle Orlando Brown. “We’re really special,” Brown said during a Tuesday appearance on NFL Network’s The Insiders. “I’m really proud of the way that we worked this offseason, just with the intent and focus from us as individuals, as players.”
“Everything that the coaches threw at us, we were able to respond really well. I mean, I’m excited, man. At the end of the day, paying Tee and Ja’Marr, making them more comfortable, knowing that they’re going to be able to go out there and sell out even more than they have in the past, I think it’s only going to make us better, to be honest.”
Contracts Eliminate Distractions
Awarding over $100 million each to Chase and Higgins is a rare feat in a single offseason. However, the deals effectively eliminated lingering contract distractions that loomed last year.
Despite the uncertainty in 2024, the Bengals still produced an elite offense, leading the NFL in passing yards per game (272.9) and ranking sixth in points per game (27.8). Nevertheless, a sluggish 1-4 start and underperforming defense proved too much to overcome.
Defensive Overhaul and Remaining Issues
In response, Cincinnati made sweeping changes on the defensive side. The Bengals parted ways with longtime defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo and brought in Al Golden. This shift in approach was matched by multiple free agency signings and draft additions.
Yet, not all contract matters are resolved. Trey Hendrickson skipped last week’s mandatory minicamp, and first-round pick Shemar Stewart remains unsigned. Brown remains optimistic that the front office will sort out both situations before training camp begins on July 23.
“I’m very confident that they’ll be out there,” Brown said of Hendrickson. “I imagine in Trey’s situation, they’ll get that figured out, man. He’s one of the best in the league at what he does.”
“I think in Shemar’s case, I imagine they’ll get that done, too, coming to terms on whatever the language or specific amount of money it is. These are two very important players for us. One being an All-Pro Defensive Player of the Year candidate, man. I imagine the team is going to take care of business.”
Offensive Focus Sharpens Ahead of Camp
As the defense undergoes transformation, the offense remains a centerpiece of confidence and identity. For Brown and the rest of the unit, the attention is firmly on the future rather than past shortcomings. “For us, I think the focus has been more on this year as opposed to last year and previous years,” Brown said.
“There’s so many areas that we want to take the next step in. I think at the end of the day we know who we are, we know what our DNA is, especially as a team and as an offense. So, we have a ton of confidence in that. To me, I don’t think it’s necessarily gonna be a ton of carryover, although you think it would be.”
