Bengals Franchise Tag Likely

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Post on Feb 19, 2025

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Bengals Franchise Tag Likely: What it Means for Burrow and the Future of Cincinnati

The Cincinnati Bengals' remarkable playoff run in 2021-2022, culminating in a Super Bowl appearance, solidified their status as a legitimate contender in the AFC. A key component of their success? The electrifying play of quarterback Joe Burrow. With his contract nearing its end, the question on many Bengals fans' minds is: will the Bengals franchise tag Joe Burrow? The answer, based on current circumstances, appears to be a resounding yes. This article will explore why a franchise tag is likely, its implications for the team, and what it means for Burrow's long-term future in Cincinnati.

Why a Franchise Tag is Likely for Joe Burrow

Several factors strongly suggest the Bengals will utilize the franchise tag on Joe Burrow:

Protecting Their Investment:

Simply put, Joe Burrow is the face of the franchise. He's a proven, elite quarterback who has already led the team to significant success. Letting him walk, even for a moment, represents an unfathomable risk. The franchise tag provides the Bengals with the necessary time to negotiate a long-term deal while preventing a potential bidding war.

Salary Cap Maneuverability:

While the franchise tag carries a hefty price tag, it offers the Bengals much-needed flexibility in managing their salary cap. Using the tag buys them time to restructure existing contracts, create additional cap space, and ultimately, negotiate a long-term deal that fits within their budgetary constraints. This strategic approach allows them to retain other key players.

Avoiding a Franchise-Altering Mistake:

Losing Burrow would be catastrophic for the Bengals' immediate and long-term prospects. The franchise tag ensures continuity and allows them to avoid a potentially franchise-altering mistake that could set them back for years. The stability Burrow provides is priceless.

Building a Championship Team:

The Bengals are in a position to contend for a Super Bowl annually. Burrow is essential to realizing that goal. Using the franchise tag demonstrates a commitment to winning and maintaining their competitive window. It's a clear message to the players, fans, and the NFL: the Bengals are serious contenders.

Implications of the Franchise Tag

The franchise tag will likely be applied for a one-year period, meaning Burrow's future beyond the 2024 season will still need to be addressed. However, using the tag offers several advantages:

• Time for Negotiations: It allows both sides to continue negotiations on a long-term contract, giving them time to reach a mutually agreeable deal that works for both the player and the team's financial limitations.
• Maintaining Momentum: The tag keeps Burrow in Cincinnati, preserving the team's offensive continuity and allowing them to build on their recent successes.
• Setting a Precedent: Other NFL teams will be watching how the Bengals handle this situation. It sets a precedent for future franchise quarterbacks and their contract negotiations.

What Happens Next?

The Bengals will likely use the franchise tag to secure Burrow for the 2024 season. The focus will then shift to negotiations for a long-term contract extension. Both sides have a vested interest in reaching an agreement, and a deal is highly anticipated, ensuring Burrow remains a Bengal for many years to come. This is a critical moment for the Bengals organization, and fans are eagerly awaiting a resolution that secures the future of their star quarterback.

Conclusion: A Necessary Step Towards Future Success

The use of the franchise tag on Joe Burrow is a highly probable and ultimately necessary step for the Cincinnati Bengals. It protects their investment, allows for strategic cap management, and ensures the continuation of their championship aspirations. While the tag represents a significant financial commitment, it ultimately serves as a critical bridge towards securing Burrow's long-term future in Cincinnati and building a dynasty. The future of the Bengals hinges on Burrow, and the franchise tag is a crucial move to ensure that future remains bright.