The Cincinnati Bengals had a mixed season in 2024, finishing third in the AFC North with a 9-8 record. Despite falling short of the playoffs, the team demonstrated that they can be Super Bowl contenders.
Tee Higgins, who played this season under the franchise tag, has been a crucial part of the Bengals’ offense. He finished the season with a career-high 75.9 receiving yards per game and 10 touchdowns.
His consistent production has solidified him as a key target for the Bengals, and his franchise tag, worth $21.8 million, underscores his value to the team.
However, retaining Higgins won’t be straightforward. The Bengals are also aiming to extend wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase’s contract, which could potentially be record-breaking.
Balancing the contracts of two star receivers while addressing other team needs will present a significant challenge for the Bengals’ front office.
Pro Football Focus (PFF) projects that Higgins could command a four-year, $112 million deal with $67.5 million guaranteed. This would place him among the highest-paid wide receivers in the league.
However, Higgins’ injury history—having missed games in the past two seasons—might raise concerns for potential suitors.
PFF analysts believe retaining Higgins will be difficult for the Bengals due to the financial implications and the need to address other areas of the roster.
The Bengals will need to weigh the benefits of keeping Higgins against the cost and its potential impact on the salary cap.
Tee Higgins’ future with the Cincinnati Bengals hinges on the team’s ability to manage its salary cap while prioritizing roster needs.
His potential $120 million payday reflects his importance to the team, but the Bengals must carefully evaluate their options to remain competitive in the coming seasons.
