As evidenced by former Cincinnati Bengals quarterback AJ McCarron getting released a month before his contract was set to expire, pending NFL free agents are not free agents until free agency makes them free agents.
McCarron was one one of nearly 20 Bengals with expiring contracts heading into the 2024 league year. There will be some that get extended right before free agency begins, but the ones with the most to gain on the open market will push to see the market actually opening on Mar. 11.
With the exception of wide receiver Tee Higgins, who’s expected to receive the franchise tag, here are four Bengals who are likely to test the free agency waters next month.
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Bengals Who Won’t Be Re-Signed
Tyler Boyd, wide receiver
This will be tough to watch, but it’s the right decision. Boyd has been with the Bengals longer than anyone left on the roster. No one has seen more ups and downs as a lasting player of the organization. He’s transformed from a 21-year old wide eyed rookie to the locker room leader of an incredible receiving corps.
For that reason alone there could be interest in bringing Boyd back, but he’ll want to see what else is out there for him. In all likelihood, there will be greater third contract offers for him elsewhere.
It’s time for Ja’Marr Chase to fully ascend as the leader of the receivers room. Boyd’s replacement shouldn’t even be a full-time slot like he was for several years. Getting Chase inside more often like some of his elite peers is also what’s best for the offense going forward. It all adds up to Boyd and the Bengals going their separate ways.