The Cincinnati Bengals should be searching for skill players in the 2025 NFL Draft. With starting tight end Mike Gesicki set to hit free agency — and Tee Higgins coming off the franchise tag and looking for a lucrative contract extension — it stands to reason Cincinnati will use a high pick on a playmaker on Day 1.
The Bengals narrowly missed the postseason last year, anchoring them in the middle of the first round at pick No. 17. So, what might the team do when they go on the clock in April?
Bengals Grab Penn State TE Tyler Warren in Latest Mock Draft
In Pro Football Network’s latest mock draft, Cincinnati selected tight end Tyler Warren at No. 17 overall. The former Penn State standout is a massive target — standing 6-foot-6 and weighing 261 pounds — and has drawn comparisons to Jeremy Shockey.
Warren made 104 receptions for 1,233 yards and eight touchdowns last season for the Nittany Lions while proving to be one of the best run-blocking tight ends in college football. He would fill an immediate need, assuming Gesicki leaves the fold. Further, Warren has been lauded for his strong leadership and strength of character.
“Joe Burrow needs a new spark plug to possibly replace Tee Higgins and take double teams away from Ja’Marr Chase. Tyler Warren has shown promise as a blocking tight end who can also contribute in the passing game over the middle,” said PFN’s Chris Dodson.
NFL Media’s Lance Zierlein included this nugget in Warren’s scouting report: “Warren plays with swagger and ‘best player on the field’ energy. He imprints on games with alignment versatility, allowing opportunities for play-callers to stress the defense. Despite his size, he’s quick enough to beat man coverage underneath and plays with good recognition of holes in coverage.”
Tee Higgins Projected To Receive $112 Million Contract
The writing may be on the wall for Higgins in Cincinnati, considering the front office will have to dole out a huge payday to Ja’Marr Chase, who is entering the final year of his rookie deal. The All-Pro receiver is Joe Burrow’s unquestioned favorite target, with the quarterback already going on the record and telling ESPN that he “deserves to be paid.”
Bengals QB Joe Burrow on ESPN on Ja’Marr Chase’s upcoming contract negotiation: “I don’t know what more he could show and do to prove himself. We have several guys like that, who have stepped up for us, and deserve to be paid—deserve to be paid what they’re worth.”
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 31, 2025
Meanwhile, Higgins has been one of the best No. 2 receivers in the NFL since arriving in the league in 2020. He made 73 receptions for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2024 while averaging 12.5 yards per catch in only 12 games.
The Bengals chose to slap the franchise tag on Higgins last offseason rather than let him walk in free agency. He fought through a myriad of ailments during his contract year including ankle, hamstring, and quadriceps injuries.
According to Over the Cap, the Bengals have roughly $46 million in salary cap space. It’ll be interesting to see if they can work something out for Higgins. Duke Tobin, the Bengals’ director of personnel, told the Cincinnati Enquirer at the Senior Bowl that it was going to be “hard” to keep both Higgins and Chase rostered.
Pro Football Focus listed Higgins as their top free agent on the board, predicting a four-year deal worth $112 million ($67.5 million guaranteed), averaging out at around $28 million per year. He’ll be one of the “most sought-after players on the market.”
