“Anticipated Departures” – Six Bengals Starters Unlikely to Return in 2024…

“Anticipated Departures” – Six Bengals Starters Unlikely to Return in 2024…

The Cincinnati Bengals are poised to bid farewell to several key players in the upcoming offseason, facing the challenge of managing 14 unrestricted free agents while prioritizing the extension of Ja’Marr Chase. Six current starters on the team are expected to part ways with the Queen City for the 2024 season, primarily due to financial constraints and age-related considerations.

For three players, the departure is driven by financial considerations, as they are likely to demand more money than the Bengals are willing to invest. The other three players are approaching the age of 30, a threshold at which Cincinnati typically refrains from extending player contracts.

Let’s delve into the list of six starters who may find themselves with different teams in 2024:

1. Chidobe Awuzie:
   • Acquired by the Bengals in the 2021 offseason, Awuzie made a significant impact in his first year and a half with the team. Despite recent improvements, his shaky start to the season and the emergence of Cam Taylor-Britt as a potential replacement indicate a probable departure. Awuzie’s age, at 28, makes a multi-year deal from Cincinnati unlikely.
2. Tyler Boyd:
   • A key figure since being drafted in 2016, Boyd’s role diminished with the arrival of Ja’Marr Chase, and he was relegated to WR3. While still delivering decent stats, financial constraints resulting from major contracts for Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase make it improbable for the Bengals to retain Boyd, especially given his market value.
3. Tee Higgins:
   • The offseason will be marked by speculation about Higgins’ future with the Bengals. Despite being vocal about his commitment, the team’s financial considerations may prevent them from retaining him as a WR1 alongside Ja’Marr Chase. The Bengals face tough decisions regarding extension, franchise tagging, or letting Higgins walk in free agency.
4. Joe Mixon:
   • Although not a free agent, the Bengals could save $5.7 million by parting ways with Mixon. With the need to allocate funds for key players like Chase, the Bengals might opt for a change in the running back position, considering Mixon’s age and the emergence of Chase Brown.
5. D.J. Reader:
   • A significant presence on the defensive side since 2020, Reader’s impending free agency and turning 30 in July raise concerns about the financial commitment required. Despite Reader’s impressive performance, the Bengals may be hesitant to invest the considerable amount suggested by his market value.
6. Jonah Williams:
   • Williams, frustrated by the team’s decision to sign Orlando Brown Jr. without prior notice, has played decently but expressed discontent earlier in the year. While adaptable to a right tackle position, Williams’ performance and the team’s dynamics raise questions about his future in Cincinnati, considering the previous discord.