As the Cincinnati Bengals' intense chase for an AFC playoff spot culminates with Week 18, there is a clear undercurrent of tension between the face of the franchise and the franchise itself.
Joe Burrow has been playing out of his mind while keeping Cincy alive in the postseason chase and, as the season has gone along, been willing to speak more openly about how strongly he believes the Bengals should retain talents like Tee Higgins. Higgins was franchise-tagged by Cincinnati last offseason after contract negotiations turned ugly and has been clear he doesn't really expect to be wearing a Bengals uniform in 2025.
