Three Thoughts on Logan Wilson's Extension, Negotiations With Joe Burrow, Tee Higgins and Others

Wilson is the first member of the Bengals' 2020 draft class to sign a long-term contract extension with the team.

Author:
James Rapien
Publish date:
Aug 7, 2023 8:06 AM EDT

In this story:

CINCINNATI — Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson signed a four-year extension worth up to $37.25 million on Saturday.

That means the 27-year-old is under contract through the 2027 season. Here are three thoughts on his extension and what it means for other top players that are entering the final year of their deals, including Tee Higgins and DJ Reader:

Win-Win Move

Logan Wilson — © Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

Wilson's contract was a great deal for him and for the Bengals.

He could've played out this year in hopes of making more money as a free agent next offseason, but it would've been a risk.

After being a third round pick in 2020, getting long-term security made sense.

He's played at a high level in each of the past three seasons, which includes a shoulder injury that sidelined him during Cincinnati's 2021 run to Super Bowl LVI.

"My shoulder. 100 percent. Going through that injury, how much pain it was to even get the tearing, the dislocation done. That was horrible," Wilson said on Sunday. "Then going from questioning whether or not you were gonna be able to play again that year to rehabbing for three weeks, coming back, playing and then I thought I played pretty well for the most part coming back from a shoulder injury like that. I think that's where I kind of grew the most, just understanding what I can endure in this game."

The Bengals were able to keep Wilson for a reasonable price. The contract should age well and even with the new deal, he's not in the top 10 highest-paid linebackers in the NFL.

This is a win-win move for Wilson and for the Bengals.

Dynamic Duo at Linebacker

Sep 29, 2022; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt (57) and cornerback Eli Apple (20) congratulate linebacker Logan Wilson (55) on a tackle for loss in the third quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati. The Cincinnati Bengals won, 27-15 to improve to 2-2 on the season. Mandatory Credit: Kareem Elgazzar-USA TODAY Sports — Kareem Elgazzar-USA TODAY Sports

The Bengals were able to extend Germaine Pratt and Wilson in less than five months. They're by far the best linebacker duo Cincinnati has had in a long time.

"Thrilled. Not only Logan but Germaine to you know, earlier this year I think I feel like we have one of the best tandems at linebacker in the league," Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo said. "We’re super excited to have him (Wilson) back. It's great for the team, great for the organization."

They've tallied for 535 tackles, 25 passes defensed, 10 interceptions and six sacks in 86 total games [combined] since the 2020 season.

Now they could play together for another three years, which brings stability to the middle of Anarumo's defense.

Other Deals Coming Soon?

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (5) runs from safety Nick Scott (33) with a catch during a training camp practice at the Paycor Stadium practice field in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, Aug. 4, 2023. — © Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

Wilson's new contract obviously doesn't impact Joe Burrow's future. The Bengals are hopeful that a new deal will be done in the near future.

What does Wilson's extension mean for Tee Higgins' future? What about DJ Reader or Chidobe Awuzie?

All three players are entering the final year of their contracts. Higgins is clearly the priority out of the three.

Cincinnati would love to sign the 24-year-old to an extension before the start of the season.

Reader and Awuzie are more complicated.

Reader, 29, is a game-changer, but this team has shied away from giving out big contracts to players that are 30 or older. Throw in the fact that he's missed time due to injury in two of his three season in Cincinnati and it's hard to envision a scenario where they extend his contract, even though he's a big part of their defense.

Awuzie, 28, is in a different position. He's coming off of a torn ACL and looks great so far in training camp, but he's been underpaid from the moment he set foot in Cincinnati.

His three-year, $21 million contract is one of the best bargains in the NFL. He could be wise to play this season, show the NFL that he can still be a top cornerback and cash in next March when he becomes a free agent.

There are scenarios where Awuzie and Reader both sign extensions with the Bengals, but that doesn't feel likely at this time.

Instead, Cincinnati will likely put their time, energy and resources toward signing Burrow and Higgins to long-term contracts.

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