Jan 30, 2020; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Former Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Harry Douglas on the sideline before a game between the Philadelphia 76ers and Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

nfl

Harry Douglas slams Cincinnati Bengals as “Cheap-innati” for refusing to pay top talent

Bengals called "Cheap-innati" over spending choices.

Former Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Harry Douglas didn’t hold back on ESPN’s First Take when he called the Cincinnati Bengals the “Cheap-innati Bengals.” He criticized the team’s unwillingness to pay for top talent, saying this mindset is hurting Joe Burrow’s chances of leading the team to a Super Bowl.

Douglas pointed out that the Bengals’ cost-cutting approach has already cost them key players like Jesse Bates III, now with the Atlanta Falcons, and Joe Mixon, who signed with the Houston Texans. He argued that both players could have made a significant impact if they had stayed in Cincinnati.

"Call them the 'Cheap-innati Bengals', because they don't want to pay people."

🤔 pic.twitter.com/rvwqEhuHUw
— Faux Joey Brrr (@FauxJeaux) February 18, 2025

“That’s another reason Jesse Bates III is now in Atlanta, Georgia,” Douglas said. “That’s another reason why Joe Mixon is down in Houston for the Houston Texans. Two players that actually could have helped the defense for the Cincinnati Bengals and one player that could have actually helped the offense and gave Joe Burrow something else to resort to.”

Joe Burrow’s push to keep Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins clashes with Cincinnati Bengals’ spending habits

Joe Burrow has made it clear he wants to keep his top targets, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Chase’s contract is up at the end of the season, and Tee Higgins could end up under the franchise tag for the second consecutive year. Burrow pointed to the Philadelphia Eagles keeping both DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown as an example of how to maintain a strong receiving corps.

But the Cincinnati Bengals’ reputation for being cheap could get in the way. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that the Bengals plan to extend Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and defensive end Trey Hendrickson this offseason. But will they actually spend the money? That’s the question hanging over the franchise.

The one quote that has bugged me the most from Duke Tobin and others in the Bengals front office.

"It's not a pay thing. Our salaries for players was third highest in the league."

Duke said this when talking about the 2024 defense.

Yes, the Bengals ranked 3rd in Total Cap… pic.twitter.com/LuHsPlv86l
— Goodberry (@JoeGoodberry) January 31, 2025

Harry Douglas didn’t mince words, saying the team’s reluctance to pay top talent is holding them back. “It’s hindering and it’s hurting, in my opinion, Joe Burrow and this team collectively, from going to where they want to go,” he said.

The Bengals can’t escape the “Cheap-innati” label unless they open their wallets. Joe Burrow is on a $275 million contract, and the window to maximize his prime is shrinking. If they don’t spend now, they might waste the best years of his career. The ball’s in Cincinnati’s court, but if they keep playing it cheap, they might as well keep the nickname.

Read More: 2025 NFL Draft: Top 10 Prospects

Image: Imagn Images

Harry Douglas

Natasha Bose

I write about sports because, well, it brings in the big bucks! I’m not some lifelong analyst or stats guru, truth being told, you’ve probably never heard of me!—I just know how to research, write, and make things sound good. That’s the job!
Got into sports media the same way most people do: by (fortunate) accident. Started with SEO writing, took on a few sports gigs, and now here we are! I cover games, trades, player drama—whatever needs words.
Favorite part? The chaos. One day it’s a blockbuster trade, the next it’s a goat running onto the field. Never boring.
Message to readers: If you want deep analysis, there are people for that. If you want sharp, no-BS writing that actually makes sense, stick around.