If the Cincinnati Bengals are going to bounce back from an underwhelming campaign in 2023 and live up to their lofty potential in 2024, they’re going to need some stellar play from a plethora of key contributors. If they get such stellar play, they could end up having several representatives in the Pro Bowl at the end of the season.
Some current Bengals players — like Joe Burrow and Ja’marr Chase — have made the Pro Bowl before, but most haven’t. Here’s a look at three Bengals players with a chance to be first-time Pro Bowlers in 2024.
Tee Higgins, Wide receiver
Despite establishing himself as one of the better young receivers in the league over his first four seasons, Tee Higgins has never been named to a Prowl Bowl. But, the 2024 season should provide an excellent opportunity for Higgins to earn the distinction for the first time. After all, Higgins will be playing for a contract after failing to reach a long-term extension with the Bengals. As a result. he’s headed for free agency in 2025.
Higgins should enter the ’24 campaign majorly motivated. After all, if he has a stellar season it will only help him when it comes time to sign a new contract — either with the Bengals or another team — next year. Earning a Pro Bowl nod would only help to bolster his value.
Geno Stone, Safety
There were some who thought that Geno Stone could have made the Pro Bowl after leading the AFC in interceptions last season, but it didn’t happen for him. Perhaps it will during his first season in Cincinnati. The Bengals were able to steal Stone away from the rival Ravens in free agency, and he figures to be a key contributor to Cincinnati’s secondary — a unit that struggled last season.
If Stone can be the same defensive playmaker that he was in Baltimore this season while helping to lead a turnaround within Cincinnati’s secondary, perhaps he will ultimately be rewarded with the first Pro Bowl selection of his career.
Amarius Mims, Offensive tackle
This one might be a bit of a stretch, because rookies don’t often make the Pro Bowl, but a reality exists where Mims earns a starting spot right from the jump in Cincinnati and exceeds expectations. The Bengals needed an upgrade on the offensive line, so they drafted Mims in the first round of the 2024 draft.
If Mims can solidify the O-line and allow quarterback Joe Burrow to realize his MVP-level production, then Cincinnati’s offense should be dynamic, and he could potentially get the rare rookie Pro Bowl nod.
