While most NFL teams claim to prioritize winning, their real obsession lies in maximizing profits, and the Cincinnati Bengals make no attempt to hide it. Unlike other organizations that pay lip service to competitiveness, the Bengals openly center their decision-making around financial outcomes.
However, this business-first approach often interferes with on-field success, as shown by past and present examples of how the franchise’s frugality hampers performance.
Prioritizing Finances Over Winning Continues to Undermine Bengals’ Preparation and Player Relationships
Carson Palmer, a former Bengals quarterback, captured the issue clearly in 2019, stating that when financials come first and winning comes second, the team has no real chance of succeeding.
This mentality was evident last season when the Bengals allowed a contract dispute with star receiver Ja’Marr Chase to go unresolved until just before the season opener. That lack of preparation contributed to a loss against a struggling Patriots team — a game that might have altered their playoff fate.
Bengals Frugal Culture Risks Undermining Long Term Success and Team ChemistryThe Bengals are repeating their self-defeating behavior this year. Despite managing to retain key players like Chase and Tee Higgins on relatively team-friendly terms, the organization is embroiled in a contentious contract negotiation with edge rusher Trey Hendrickson.
Worse, they’ve also created unnecessary friction with first-round rookie Shemar Stewart by insisting on changes to standard contract language — a move that seems more about asserting control than financial prudence.
Bengals Penny-Pinching Traditions Threaten Long-Term Success and Undermine Team Unity
The Bengals’ behavior is not new. Former players have spoken out about the team’s stinginess, from sharing hotel rooms to forbidding Gatorade take-home privileges. Their refusal to house players in hotels before home games once led to instances of hungover (or drunk) players showing up on game day.
The current dispute with Stewart reflects a similar mindset: the organization appears more focused on enforcing its will than doing what’s best for the team’s readiness and cohesion.
Despite these dysfunctions, the Bengals remain competitive, largely due to the leadership and talent of quarterback Joe Burrow. However, if the front office continues to prioritize control and cost-cutting over team chemistry and preparation, even Burrow may eventually grow tired of the system, just as Palmer did. Unless the franchise undergoes a cultural shift toward prioritizing performance, its success may prove unsustainable.
