Tee Higgins has been a key piece of the Cincinnati Bengals’ offense since coming into the league in 2020. A dependable deep risk with a uncommon mix of measurement, pace, and palms, Higgins has fashioned some of the harmful receiver duos in the complete NFL alongside Ja’Marr Chase.
However as he enters free company this offseason, the Bengals face a troublesome resolution: Can they afford to maintain him?
Higgins is predicted to command a large contract, and with Cincinnati already getting ready to offer Chase a record-setting extension, the crew could not have the cap house to match what different franchises are prepared to supply. With a number of receiver-needy groups flush with cap house, Higgins might be on the transfer sooner somewhat than later.
Tee Higgins’ Market Worth: $30 Million Per Yr?
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, most NFL insiders count on Higgins to land a contract price a minimum of $30 million per yr.
“The over/beneath on Bengals receiver Tee Higgins’ market is $30 million per season, and the vast majority of crew personnel that I spoke with imagine he’ll hit or clear the over.”
𝗥𝗨𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗦: Nearly all of #NFL personnel across the league count on #Bengals WR Tee Higgins to recover from $30 million per season on a brand new deal this offseason, per @JFowlerESPN
“The over/beneath on Bengals receiver Tee⁰Higgins’ market is $30 million per season, and the bulk… pic.twitter.com/Ur75mK8vLx
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) February 1, 2025
That’s a steep value for any crew, however it displays Higgins’ potential worth as a real No. 1 receiver. At 6’4” with elite ball abilities and the power to dominate in contested-catch conditions, he’s the kind of wideout that might immediately rework an offense. Nonetheless, that price ticket might make it troublesome for the Bengals to maintain him round.
Can the Bengals Afford To Hold Higgins?
Cincinnati at the moment has $46.5 million in cap house, in accordance with Over the Cap, which places them in a tricky place. Whereas they may technically afford Higgins, their prime precedence is locking in Chase for the long run. Chase is predicted to reset the broad receiver market with an enormous deal that might exceed $30 million per yr, making it almost not possible to maintain each star receivers.
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Higgins has been a unbelievable second choice within the Bengals’ passing assault, however as Burrow already signed a historic contract and different key areas of the roster want consideration, Cincinnati could haven’t any selection however to let him stroll in free company.
Potential Touchdown Spots for Higgins
If Higgins does hit the open market, loads of groups will undoubtedly have an interest, however two stand out as notably robust suits.
New England Patriots: The Patriots have over $120 million in cap house, by far probably the most within the NFL. They desperately want a real No. 1 receiver, and with a brand new head coach coming in, they might be aggressive in free company. Pairing their new quarterback, Drake Maye, with Higgins might be a franchise-altering transfer.
San Francisco 49ers: The 49ers have an elite roster, however with Brandon Aiyuk’s future unsure and Deebo Samuel Sr.’s sturdiness issues, they may make an enormous splash at receiver. Higgins can be a perfect fit in Kyle Shanahan’s offense, giving Brock Purdy one more dynamic weapon.
Cincinnati Bengals: Cincinnati’s entrance workplace is aware of that getting Joe Burrow again within the playoffs is the highest precedence. After back-to-back 9-8 seasons with out a postseason look, the strain is on to make the mandatory roster strikes to compete within the loaded AFC.
The Bengals’ best-case situation can be conserving each Chase and Higgins, however with restricted cap house, that might not be life like. Higgins has been a significant a part of the Bengals’ success lately, however together with his market worth skyrocketing, his time in Cincinnati might be coming to an finish.