Bengals listed among five teams 'best set up for the future'

There are several young, up and coming teams in the NFL. However, one established contender made the cut in Pro Football Focus' "five teams that are best set up for the future."

PFF named Cincinnati the fifth-best team set up for the future, following the Colts, Titans, Commanders and Texans — all of which are still in the rebuilding process.

It proves just how dangerous the Bengals can be after a disappointing season that included a season-ending injury to QB Joe Burrow. But the team seems to be set up for success better than ever in 2024.

"While the Bengals have quarterback Joe Burrow on a long-term contract extension, his $29.7 million cap number in 2024 doesn't prohibit them from being aggressive this offseason," PFF's Gordon McGuinness wrote.

Cincinnati is projected to have $59.43M in cap space, according to PFF. That is a great number after making Burrow the highest paid quarterback in NFL history last offseason.

The team has several difficult decisions to make in the coming weeks and months, however. The Bengals have 20 unrestricted free agents, including wide receivers Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd, DT D.J. Reader and CB Chidobe Awuzie.

With Cincinnati's available cap space, it should be able to retain at least a couple of its key free agents. But they aren't the only players hoping to get paid this offseason.

Three-time Pro Bowl WR Ja'Marr Chase is eligible for a contract extension and will likely get one after establishing himself as one of the best wide receivers in the league.

McGuinness believes that could complicate any free agency signings the team makes.

"They do, however, have a contract extension for wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase on the horizon," McGuinness added. "So any free agency swings may need to be short-term moves."

The Bengals are clearly set up for success in 2024 and beyond. But after next season, money will be much tighter. So, they must capitalize and make another run for the franchise's first Super Bowl next year before it gets more difficult to do so in the future.