​There are several Bengals players who are eligible for extensions this season, including running back Chase Brown, who is entering his fourth year after being drafted from Illinois. The big question is whether Cincinnati should sign him. Stone Shields of Chatterbox Sports argues in favor, praising Brown’s versatile role in the Bengals’ offense and saying he’s exactly the type of back the team needs. I, however, disagree with the notion that the Bengals should extend Brown or pay him at all. I take a notably strong stance on the running back salary debate. At present, I would only pay Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs, two players whose rushing and receiving abilities are clearly elite and among the best in the NFL.
Chase Brown does seem capable of contributing in multiple ways and could have a substantial impact in Cincinnati, reminiscent of the prime performances by Christian McCaffrey and Derrick Henry, though McCaffrey’s influence remains notable as he enters his 30s with the 49ers. Still, if a GM were to argue that paying Robinson or Gibbs isn’t a smart investment, I wouldn’t argue against that point. The wear and tear on running backs, plus the risk of finding valuable players in later drafts every season, makes hefty investments at the position risky. Premium contracts for backs have backfired before, with examples like Todd Gurley with the Rams, Ezekiel Elliott with the Cowboys, and DeMarco Murray with the Eagles after their big paydays, after which their production and health declined markedly.
Stone Shields doesn’t think Brown should command top-of-market money, but with the many extensions Cincinnati will need to manage—players like DJ Turner, Dalton Risner, Amarius Mims, and others—the question becomes whether tying up money in a running back who might only be a complement in an offense led by Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins is prudent. Moreover, a running back alone rarely decides a team’s Super Bowl fate. Credit should be given to players like Marshawn Lynch and Saquon Barkley, and note that Kenneth Walker performed better in the playoffs than in the regular season. Some could argue the Bengals’ decision to sign Joe Mixon in 2020 had a negative effect on their 2021 Super Bowl chances by creating a $10 million cap hit that limited how they could upgrade the offensive line, leaving their front five as a liability.
Chase Brown entered the league as a fifth-round pick, unlike peers such as Rachaad White, De’Von Achane, and Brian Robinson Jr., who were selected in the third round, or Cam Skattebo and Kyle Mo likely to rise in value.