Veteran WR on the Move; Plus, the Buzz On Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins: The Fantasy Notebook
By Sigmund Bloom - Exclusive to Footballguys
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News About AFC Teams
Cincinnati Bengals News
Offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher said the team may add a "bigger back" this offseason.
Why It Matters: This item is more about Zack Moss, whose career is in jeopardy after a neck injury ended his 2024 season prematurely, and the lack of options behind Chase Brown than about the team having any reservations about Brown. Pitcher also praised Brown's play in pass protection and said Brown's all-around skills give the team flexibility in their approach to adding to the backfield. Behind Brown and Moss, the Bengals only have 2024 UDFA Kendall Milton, so expect at least one significant addition. The team traded for Khalil Herbert after Moss went down, but the former Chicago Bear is a free agent this year.
The Bengals used the franchise tag on WR Tee Higgins.
Why It Matters: This wasn't a surprise, but it certainly is far from an ending to this saga for the Bengals and Higgins. NFL Insider Ari Meirov said the team "isn't close" to long-term agreements with Higgins, Ja'Marr Chase, or DE Trey Hendrickson. Don't be surprised if the talks with Chase go well into the summer, which could force the Bengals hand in a tag-and-trade for Higgins. Cincinnati has until July 15 to sign Higgins to a long-term contract, or instead, he will get $26.2 million playing the tag, which would be a relative bargain in per-year terms. It almost certainly would mark his last year with the team because a third tag would cost Cincinnati almost $38 million. It's far from a sure thing that Higgins will play for the Bengals in 2025. DK Metcalf hitting the trade block for the Seahawks could help the Bengals if they are willing to take less for Higgins in a trade than the Seahawks' reported demands of a first and third-round pick for Metcalf.
The Bengals give DE Trey Hendrickson permission to seek a trade.
Why It Matters: Cincinnati's front office is allowing Hendrickson, coming off his best season, to seek out a new team. In 2024, the 30-year-old led the NFL with 17.5 sacks and was selected as a first-team All-Pro. Since signing with the Bengals, Hendrickson has been one of the NFL's best pass rushers. He ranks third in pressure rate during that span, according to ESPN Research, and is third in total sacks (57), trailing fellow division rivals Myles Garrett (60) and T.J. Watt (58.5). However, his average annual salary ranks 11th among all edge rushers. In 2025, he is set to earn $15.8 million in base salary. As ESPN.com's Ben Baby notes, Hendrickson's granted request comes one day after Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby agreed to terms on a three-year extension that pays him $35.5 million annually, the current record for a non-quarterback. Crosby ranks seventh in total sacks since 2021.
Cleveland Browns News
OL Joel Bitonio announced he will return for the 2025 season.
Why It Matters: It is a small item, but still a change in the relative tone around the Browns this offseason. Bitonio returning is a good sign that the team is not going to trade Myles Garrett and instead sign the all-universe defensive end to a new contract.
Houston Texans News
Texans trade For Jacksonville WR Christian Kirk.
Why It Matters: As NFL.com reported, "Help is on the way for C.J. Stroud." The Texans are acquiring Kirk from the AFC South rival Jaguars. Jacksonville will receive a 2026 seventh-round pick in exchange for the speedy receiver, per Pelissero. The deal cannot become official until the new league year begins on March 12. Texas head coach DeMeco Ryans foreshadowed adding a player at the receiver position during the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis, calling it an "area of emphasis." If Kirk can fit into new coordinator Nick Caley's offense, the newcomer should see a higher usage rate in Houston than he saw the last two seasons in Jacksonville. Nico Collins returns as the Texans' top target, but Tank Dell will likely miss the 2025 season after suffering a serious knee injury in Week 16, and veteran Stefon Diggs is headed toward free agency. If nothing else, Kirk should be able to provide Houston with another speedy option for Stroud at a position of need.
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