Very few know the Cincinnati Bengals' style of business like Andrew Whitworth. The future Hall of Fame offensive lineman spent over a decade in Cincinnati, and his exit from the team became a story of its own. The shortened version goes like this: Whitworth was still playing at a high level despite entering his mid-30s in 2015.
The Bengals drafted not one, but two potential replacements to prepare for his departure. He threatened to retire during that season if he didn't some form of commitment from the team. He received a one-year extension and eventually left in free agency of 2017.
Those replacements, Cedric Ogbuehi and Jake Fisher, didn't pan out. Whitworth went on to play at an All-Pro level for the Los Angeles Rams and defeated his former team in the Super Bowl for his final game. Whitworth got the last laugh, but he understands how harsh the business side of the NFL can be.
His solution to the Bengals' current problem proves that. What Andrew Whitworth would've done with Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase Much mystery and frustration has surrounded the fates of Bengals wide receivers Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase. The Bengals have tried and failed to extend both players thus far over the past two years.
Higgins is currently on the franchise tag, and Chase still has another year left on his rookie contract thanks to the fifth-year option. The more time passes, the less likely the Bengals will be able to keep both around for the long-term. Whitworth knows as much as anyone, w.
