The Cincinnati Bengals made a major statement this offseason by locking in two of the NFL’s brightest wide receiver stars, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, to lucrative contract extensions. This bold move has sent shockwaves throughout the league, signaling the Bengals’ commitment to maintaining their championship window with Joe Burrow at the helm. But as with any big NFL decision, it didn’t take long for some of the sport’s most prominent analysts to weigh in on the ramifications of these extensions.

Stephen A. Smith of ESPN and Shannon Sharpe of FS1’s Undisputed are no strangers to expressing their opinions on high-profile NFL moves, and both had strong reactions to the Bengals’ decision to extend Chase and Higgins. So, what do these two veteran analysts think about the Bengals locking down their star receivers for the long term?

Let’s take a look at their takes on the Bengals’ bold offensive strategy and the pressure it puts on Joe Burrow moving forward.

Stephen A. Smith: “Bengals Are Setting Up for Super Bowl Glory, But Burrow Has to Deliver”

Stephen A. Smith wasted no time offering his thoughts, and as usual, his reaction was full of passion and intensity. According to Stephen A., the Bengals are playing their cards right by securing Chase and Higgins for the long haul. He believes that this move puts Cincinnati in the driver’s seat in the AFC, with one of the most lethal offenses in the NFL now locked down for several years.

“Listen, what the Bengals have done is tremendous,” Stephen A. said during a recent segment on First Take. “You’ve got two top-tier wide receivers in Chase and Higgins, and now you’ve locked them down for the future. And with Joe Burrow at quarterback? Forget about it. They’ve got one of the best young trios in the NFL.”

For Stephen A., the Bengals’ commitment to their offense is clear, and he praised Ja’Marr Chase for his extraordinary talent, citing the fact that he’s already established himself as one of the top receivers in the league. But while the move was lauded, Stephen A. did not shy away from highlighting the pressure it puts on Joe Burrow to bring home a Super Bowl.

“It’s time for Joe Burrow to step up,” Stephen A. continued. “We’ve seen the potential. We’ve seen the great moments. But now, it’s time to finish the job. You’ve got the weapons, Burrow. The Bengals have done their part. Now, you have to deliver. You can’t let this slip away.”

For Stephen A., the Bengals’ investment in their wide receivers only raises the stakes for Burrow. With a stacked offensive roster, the expectation is nothing less than a Super Bowl appearance, and Burrow must lead the charge. The pressure is on, and Stephen A. made it clear that Cincinnati’s Super Bowl window is open wide—but only if Burrow can live up to the hype.

Shannon Sharpe: “Burrow’s Got the Tools, Now He’s Got to Close the Deal”

Shannon Sharpe, who has a history of dissecting NFL moves with a keen eye for detail, was equally impressed by the Bengals’ decision to extend Chase and Higgins. However, like Stephen A., he also emphasized the pressure on Joe Burrow to perform at the highest level. While Sharpe acknowledged that the Bengals have one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL, he also pointed out the urgency for Burrow to capitalize on this talent.

“There’s no question that the Bengals have positioned themselves for long-term success,” Shannon Sharpe said on Undisputed. “Ja’Marr Chase is a superstar in the making. Tee Higgins is the perfect complement. And with Joe Burrow under center, you’ve got all the tools to be an elite offense. The question is, can they close the deal?”

Sharpe’s perspective is rooted in his understanding of the NFL’s harsh realities: talent alone won’t win you a championship. Execution does.

“I love what the Bengals have done,” Sharpe continued. “But I’ve got to see Burrow take them all the way. This is about getting to the Super Bowl and winning it. We’ve seen Burrow in big moments. But now, it’s about putting everything together when it counts.”

Shannon’s comments echoed Stephen A.’s sentiments—the talent is undeniable. Chase and Higgins give Burrow the firepower he needs to be successful, but the true test will come in the postseason, where the pressure to win a Super Bowl is immense. For Sharpe, the real challenge for Burrow will be to translate regular-season success into postseason glory.

“You’ve got all the weapons, Joe,” Sharpe said, speaking directly to Burrow. “Now go out and win the big one. It’s all on you.”

The Bengals’ Super Bowl Window: A Final Verdict from Stephen A. and Shannon

Both Stephen A. and Shannon Sharpe agree that the Bengals are in a great position moving forward, but they also understand the heightened expectations. With the extensions of Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, the team’s offense is set to dominate for years, but the responsibility for delivering a title falls squarely on Joe Burrow’s shoulders.

Stephen A. emphasized that Burrow has the tools to lead the Bengals to the promised land, but now it’s about whether he can handle the pressure of being a franchise quarterback on a team with championship aspirations. For Shannon Sharpe, the key to the Bengals’ future success is the ability to close the deal when it matters most. Burrow can’t afford to be good; he has to be great in the postseason.

The Pressure of Expectations: What’s at Stake for Burrow?

As both analysts pointed out, the Bengals’ success over the next few seasons will hinge on Burrow’s ability to perform in high-pressure moments. With Chase and Higgins now locked in for the long term, Cincinnati has one of the most explosive offenses in the league. But talent alone won’t win you a Super Bowl—Burrow will need to guide the team through the postseason, where every mistake is magnified.

For Burrow, the expectations are clear: take this team to a Super Bowl and prove that the Bengals’ investment in him and his weapons was worth it. With the right leadership, this team has all the ingredients for success. Now, it’s up to Burrow to make it happen.

As Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe have said, the clock is ticking, and the Bengals’ Super Bowl window is wide open—but it’s up to Joe Burrow to close it.