Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins is arguably the biggest impending free agent on the market and should receive a massive contract. A former second-round pick, the Clemson product is coming off a dominant season, recording 73 receptions for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns in just 12 games while nearly powering the team to a playoff appearance despite an atrocious defense. Higgins is a great player who played a major role for the Bengals over the past five seasons, but the team might not be able to keep him.
Bengals Director of Player Personnel Duke Tobin recently spoke to the press about Tee Higgins, and he didn’t sound overly optimistic about signing him to a long-term contract. While he said the team wants to retain the wide receiver, they might not have the financial resources to do it.
“It’s going to be hard,” Tobin said, via Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer. “We feel like we have the resources to do it, but it all depends on how the negotiation goes and whether they’re willing to accept wanting to come back at a number that makes sense for everybody.”
Tobin essentially said that Tee Higgins will only return to the Bengals if he accepts a lesser contract. Unfortunately for the Bengals, this makes sense, as they already paid Joe Burrow superstar money and must set a sizable portion of cash aside for Ja’Marr Chase’s inevitable extension. If Tee Higgins wants to maximize his earnings, he’ll probably sign with a team like the Los Angeles Chargers or Carolina Panthers.
Bengals Exec: “It’s Going to Be Hard” to Pay Tee Higgins A Market Contract
The Los Angeles Chargers desperately need another wide receiver. Head coach Jim Harbaugh wants to win with the run game, but even the former Michigan champion cannot deny the lack of pass-catching talent on the offense. Following the team’s humbling playoff loss to the Houston Texans, the head coach said that quarterback Justin Herbert was put in an impossible situation, and it’s safe to assume he’s going to do something about that over the next few months.
Second-round pick Ladd McConkey has a bright future in this league, but Quentin Johnston is far too inconsistent to be a starter in this league. While the Chargers probably want to improve their interior offensive line, don’t be surprised if they prioritize signing Tee Higgins to a massive contract. Armed with over $63 million in cap space, the team has the financial resources to land Higgins and still add a few starting-caliber free agents to this roster.
More Help For Bryce Young
Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young played up to his draft capital in the back half of the 2024 season and will hopefully carry that momentum into 2025. While the Alabama product has the offensive line to succeed and a promising group of young playmakers, this team could use a proven veteran like Higgins. Adam Thielen has been great for Carolina, but the 34-year-old has openly contemplated retirement and isn’t getting any younger.
The Panthers will have trouble making a Tee Higgins contract work, as the team probably wants to spend most of their resources on the defensive side of the ball. However, with that disclaimer out of the way, Higgins’ ability to work the sideline and win downfield makes him a perfect fit for this offense. Young could look a player like him on the outside, and combining him with youngsters like Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker should give the Panthers enough firepower to compete in a weak NFC South.
Main Photo: Sam Greene – USA Today Sports
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