Tee Higgins and his expiring contract were one of the biggest stories this summer for the Cincinnati Bengals. Higgins was up for a new contract this offseason.
However, considering the Bengals’ current and prospective contracts, a new deal was difficult to negotiate. As a result, the Bengals chose to use the franchise tag on Higgins this season. The wide receiver chose to play on this tag, but a hamstring ailment kept him from playing in Week 1.
With Higgins slated to make his 2024 debut in Week 3, some are wondering if he’s considering a new deal right now. The Bengals wide receiver responded professionally to that issue, noting that he does not see this season as a “audition” for a larger salary. “I don’t really look at it that way,” Higgins stated when asked about the matter by ESPN’s Ben Baby. “I’ve just got to go out and be me and play my game, and the rest will take care of itself.”
Higgins and the Bengals were unable to come to an agreement on a new contract this offseason. Keeping Tee in Cincinnati is the best outcome, but the front office is hesitant owing to escalating compensation costs.
Joe Burrow recently received a huge contract deal. Ja’Marr Chase is also due for an extension, and he refuses to settle for anything less than the maximum. On defense, top pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson is also looking for a contract extension. These considerations prevent the Bengals from giving Higgins what he wants. It’s possible that the Bengals and Higgins reach an agreement during the 2025 summer. However, this raises the prospect that Higgins walks for nothing. This is a delicate position for the Bengals. How they address this dilemma may likely determine their ceiling for the foreseeable future.
