Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow expressed his desire for the team to extend the contracts of star wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Burrow emphasized the importance of rewarding players who have been highly productive and contributed significantly to the team’s success. His comments came in the context of ongoing discussions about contract negotiations ahead of the upcoming NFL season.
Speaking to reporters, Burrow shared that he hopes his views do not overly influence the Bengals’ decision-making process, stating,
“I don’t know. I hope not a lot. I think when you have two guys like that who, like I’ve said, you draft, they play great for you, you win a lot of games, they’re very productive — those are guys you want to reward. And I’m glad they’re here.”
Browns Veteran Questions Team’s Absence from Primetime Schedule
In a separate NFL storyline, veteran defensive lineman Shelby Harris of the Cleveland Browns voiced his frustration about the team’s lack of primetime games slated for the coming season. Harris criticized the perception around the Browns, especially after a turbulent prior year, and motivated the team to prove doubters wrong on the field.
Harris conveyed his sentiments on the “Honor the Land” podcast, stating,
“I’ll say it like this, you know, they can count us out all they want to, It’s up to us to go into the season and start whooping people’s asses. I get it. Last year wasn’t the season that we expected, and now this year, they’re going to say we didn’t get prime time because of all the quarterback controversy. Who cares? Screw ’em.”
Aaron Rodgers’ Status with Steelers May Soon Be Clarified
Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Steelers continue to wait on clarity regarding quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ future with the team. Renowned for maintaining a tightly controlled public image, Rodgers has left many questions unanswered about his availability for the season. However, journalist Ian O’Connor, who conducted extensive reporting for a book on Rodgers, reports that the player is close to resolving his personal issues and committing to the Steelers.
O’Connor explained during an interview with 93.7 The Fan,
“I just think verbally, behind the scenes, not that he guaranteed it, but he’s told [the Steelers], ‘Listen, I’m gonna play for you. I just don’t want to go there and then miss part of mandatory minicamp because of my personal issues. I’m pretty sure they’re gonna be solved by the end of May, at least in my satisfaction where I can give you my all.’ So that’s where I think he is.”
Addressing the nature of Rodgers’ personal challenges, O’Connor added,
“I’m not doing consistent day-to-day reporting on his life that I did when I talked to 250 people in doing that book, but I have occasionally reached out. The sense I got was, I think I have a pretty good sense of what it is, and I don’t think it’s something that would prevent him from playing football… I’m not comfortable repeating it right now, but I don’t think it would prevent him from playing football with the Steelers.”
Implications for the NFL Season
Joe Burrow’s appeals highlight a critical moment for the Bengals, as retaining top wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins could shape the team’s offensive future. Meanwhile, concerns from Browns veteran Shelby Harris illustrate ongoing pressures within a team still fighting to regain respect in the league’s spotlight. At the same time, Aaron Rodgers’ pending decision may have a significant impact on the Steelers’ season plans once personal hurdles are resolved.
As the NFL offseason progresses, the resolution of these key player situations promises to influence team dynamics and strategies for the 2024 campaign. Bengals fans will watch closely as contract talks develop, hoping to see their star receivers remain a potent force on the field.