Bengals

Bengals WR Tee Higgins expressed his emotions regarding what could be his final home game at Paycor Stadium, with uncertainty looming over his future as a star wide receiver. He concluded this chapter with a standout performance in a victory over the Broncos on Saturday night.

“Emotions are just everywhere,” Higgins stated, as reported by Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic. “You don’t know what to feel. It’s a surreal feeling. I hope not, but that could have been my last game in the stripes here. This game meant a lot more to me coming into it. Just walking into the stadium, that’s what I was thinking. It’s a possibility. You never know what happens in the future. I grew so many relationships within the building, outside the building, in the city. It’ll definitely hurt. But there’s business, and if that’s where life takes me, God got me and I’ll just follow his lead. At the end of the game when I scored the game-winner,” he added with a smile, “I was like, ‘Man, shout out to Cincy.’ If it is, go out with a bang, you know what I mean?”

“Everybody can see what kind of player he is,” said Bengals QB Joe Burrow, emphasizing his desire for the team to keep Higgins next season. “He elevates us to a different level when he’s playing like that. Lucky to be a part of what we have going on right now.”

Browns

Zac Jackson of The Athletic examines the salary cap figures of 12 players heading into the 2025 offseason.

• With Deshaun Watson set to earn $72.9 million guaranteed over the next two years, Jackson suggests Watson will likely remain on the roster despite not being in the team’s future plans.
• Regarding CB Denzel Ward‘s $24.6 million figure, Jackson notes the team is confident in their long-term investment.
• Jackson highlights OT Jack Conklin‘s $19.5 million salary might be too high for Cleveland, mentioning they could save $16 million by designating him as a post-June 1 cut. Conklin could also be a candidate for a restructured deal, although he may receive solid offers in the market.
• With G Wyatt Teller‘s $14.4 million salary, Jackson envisions a possible extension or restructure. If Cleveland opts for a youth movement, Teller may attract trade interest.
• G Joel Bitonio is projected to make $14.3 million in 2025, but Jackson notes that the veteran is uncertain about his future, which the team needs to clarify.
• Jackson believes CB Greg Newsome‘s $13.4 million salary could hinder finding a trade partner, and he might also be in line for a contract restructure.
• Jackson points out OT Jedrick Wills‘ restricted deals result in an $11.8 million cap hit for next year, making it complicated for him to return to Cleveland.
• For TE David Njoku, who carries an $11.8 million cap figure, Jackson mentions that the team has around $24 million in total cap commitments at the tight end position.
• DT Dalvin Tomlinson will cost $11.5 million against next year’s cap, and Jackson sees potential for his return if the Browns consider themselves playoff contenders.
• Jackson views WR Jerry Jeudy‘s $8 million salary for 2025 as a bargain.
• With C Ethan Pocic‘s $7.8 million salary, Jackson believes his future depends on whether Cleveland sees itself as a playoff contender.

Browns Injury Update

Browns LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, who sustained a serious neck injury in Week 8, has not returned to action. Cleveland LB coach Jason Tarver mentioned that Owusu-Koramoah is in good spirits but is seeking multiple opinions regarding his injury.

“We’re all just rooting for him to figure out everything that needs to be addressed with his travel schedule to see different doctors and things, just making sure he’s good,” Tarver remarked, according to Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal. “But good spirits, not hurting. All that’s good.”

Tarver praised Owusu-Koramoah for evolving into a defensive leader, playing a crucial role in the team’s every down strategy.

“I think Jeremiah really stepped up to become the every-down linebacker. Having the headset, making the calls, directing players like, ‘Hey, Myles (Garrett), move over,’ or whatever it was. Reaching that level is exciting for a coach because he proved he can do anything athletically, and his preparation and performance have been on a continuous upward trajectory,” he added.