The Cincinnati Bengals have big decisions to make about their top-two receivers in 2025, as Ja’Marr Chase is in line for a massive extension and Tee Higgins is slated to hit free agency this offseason.
While Chase getting a big deal from the Bengals is inevitable, the same cannot be said for Higgins, who could end up moving on if Cincinnati isn’t keen on paying massive money for two wide receivers.
With that in mind, Sporting News' Vinnie Iyer predicts the Bengals will find Higgins’ replacement in the 2025 NFL Draft in Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III. Here’s what Iyer said about the pick:
“The Bengals need to make a call on whether to re-sign Tee Higgins, as they also need to lock up triple-crown winner Ja’Marr Chase with the biggest WR contract in NFL history,” he wrote. “Higgins connects well with Joe Burrow, but he might be pricey and can be replaced with the more Tyler Boyd-like Burden as the No. 2.”
Burden had his best college season in 2023, when he tallied 1,212 yards and nine touchdowns. His numbers dipped significantly in 2024 to 676 yards and six scores, but that was more a result of lackluster play around him than anything else.
According to The Draft Network’s Keith Sanchez, Burden is best suited to work out of the slot at the next level, but he does have the ability to play snaps on the outside, also.
What’s most intriguing about Burden is his elite skills after the catch. The Missouri product is explosive and has the ability to make house calls from anywhere on the field, which will be a huge asset for Joe Burrow and the offense.
With Burden, Chase and Andrei Iosivas, the Bengals would have a solid trio to work with. And, hopefully Jermaine Burton gets his act together and manages to contribute to further strengthen Cincinnati’s wide receivers room.
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