The Cincinnati Bengals' dynamic trio of Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins is setting its eyes on more than just the final week of the NFL regular season. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the three athletes have been openly discussing their aspirations to continue playing together beyond Week 18, making it their collective goal. "Sources say the three have discussed playing together again for years to come. It's their goal, and privately they have made no secret about it," Rapoport revealed.
Burrow, firmly positioned as the Bengals' quarterback, is secured under contract through 2029, offering some stability to the team’s future. Meanwhile, Chase, who is approaching the end of his rookie contract, is set to become a free agent after the 2025 season, and Higgins faces free agency this offseason, which complicates the picture. Since joining forces during the 2021 season, the trio has forged impressive chemistry on the field, with the Bengals boasting a 37-27 record and appearances in two AFC Championship games and one Super Bowl during their time together.
Chase's career highlights include 5,329 receiving yards and 45 touchdowns, with his current performance tallying 1,612 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns just this season. Higgins isn't far behind, with 4,542 career receiving yards and 34 touchdowns, including 858 yards and 10 touchdowns this season. Burrow has showcased his ability too, posting 4,641 yards with 42 touchdowns against just eight interceptions so far this year. Yet, it's undeniable—the Bengals have experienced their share of ups and downs this season, currently sitting at 8-8 and needing all hands on deck to make the playoffs.
Burrow emphasized the importance of not letting talented players leave the organization. "You don't want to make a living out of letting great players leave the building," he said, echoing the urgency of contract negotiations as the Bengals gear up for their decisive showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Given the stakes of their last game together, it could very well signal the final chapter for Burrow, Chase, and Higgins as teammates if uncertainties remain unaddressed.
With Higgins set to become free agent soon—unless the franchise tag is invoked—there are murmurs about the next chapter of his career, especially with the potential of lucrative offers from other teams. Both Chase and Higgins have been central figures to the Bengals’ success, but the organization may have to intensively strategize to keep the talent intact.
Negotiations have been complicated by previous attempts to secure long-term deals. Burrow has displayed persistent wishes for Higgins to remain with the Bengals, especially with the tight contract situation leading up to the off-season. "I grew a love for this city for sure," Higgins stated, hinting at his potential loyalty. "And I grew a love for this team and these coaches, yeah, I'm not ruling it out." This sentiment certainly resonates with Bengals fans who admire the chemistry exhibited on the field.
Despite the prospects of Higgins seeking greener pastures, the urgency remains palpable for all three players as they strive to cement their legacy. The Bengals have harbored dreams of returning to playoff contention, but would need help from various fronts—their own win and the missteps of the Broncos and Dolphins—to regain their footing this season.
Burrow has become well-known for his leadership both on and off the field, and the relational dynamic shared with Chase and Higgins has proven pivotal for the franchise’s success. The upcoming offseason will present significant deliberations for the organization, weighing the cost of retaining Higgins against the backdrop of sustaining their competitive core of players.
With every game feeling monumental for their collective future, the next steps seem to hold incredible importance—as is their goal to reclaim their playoff status and prepare for the ensuing season. But much will depend on how contract negotiations play out and what steps management takes to keep this trio together.
For now, fans can only watch as this talented combination takes the field for what may be one last performance as teammates, reflecting on the remarkable moments they've shared since 2021, and hoping they find ways to return to form moving forward.