The Bengals’ decision to lock in star wide receivers Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase has sparked both praise and skepticism, but former Cincinnati standout T.J. Houshmandzadeh isn’t here for the doubters.
Speaking on FS1’s Speak, Houshmandzadeh defended the deals, saying the Bengals did exactly what they should have rewarding players who’ve earned it.
“Love to see it. I really do,” he said. “People always want to complain ‘Oh, they’re spending in the wrong place.’ Well, who else are they gonna pay? These two have earned it, and they deserve it. If they had let one or both walk, people would’ve been up in arms. Now they keep them, and folks still complain.”
He emphasized the importance of surrounding a franchise quarterback like Joe Burrow with elite talent. “When you pay a guy $55 million a year, you better make sure he’s got receivers who can make plays,” he added.
The Bengals also managed to get Higgins on a deal under $30 million per season, making the move even more reasonable. At the end of the day, Cincinnati is keeping their biggest stars happy—and keeping Burrow fully invested in the team’s future.
Houshmandzadeh knows what it takes to build an elite passing attack in Cincinnati, and he’s giving this move a full stamp of approval.
Who Else Are They Gonna Pay?’ Former Bengals Star Sounds Off on WR Contracts
