Tee Higgins will become an unrestricted free agent after the 2024 NFL season. The Cincinnati Bengals star recently parted ways with his agent, David Mulugheta, and has started working with a new one.
Higgins will now work with Ja’Marr Chase’s agent, Rocky Arceneaux. Joe Burrow has already expressed his desire to keep both star wide receivers on the team. Since Higgins and Chase now have the same agent, could the Bengals have a better chance of retaining them on the roster?
Bengals Fans React to Tee Higgins Hiring Ja’Marr Chase’s Agent
All signs might be pointing to Higgins staying in Cincinnati, but Bengals fans are still skeptical. Their front office and ownership have often been criticized for botching such opportunities. The team has lost key players like Jessie Bates III and DJ Reader in the past, which has made its defense one of the worst in the league in 2024.
As a result, fans are still not sure whether the franchise can strike deals with its star wideouts. Here’s how they reacted to the latest decision by Higgins regarding his representation for the upcoming free agency:
This agent is about to drain every dime he can from the Bengals LMAO https://t.co/dJwVzpHQPJ
— Luke Sawhook 🪚🪝 (@lukesawhook) December 13, 2024
“The front office will still somehow f**k this up,” said one fan.
“Do NOT f**k this up, Bengals,” added another fan.
Basically we got a Good chance at extending both with the same agent…..but if we piss one guy off will that make it harder to negotiate with the 2nd https://t.co/FXadqxhzi2 pic.twitter.com/xgXAEwYW5Q
— Wain🐝 (@JoeyBFutureMVP) December 13, 2024
“We are in for the offseason of all offseasons,” wrote one fan.
Another fan added, “Not to be dramatic, but honestly, If the Bengals find a way to f**k this up, idk how I can continue to be a fan.”
Bengals in big trouble. I said 2 years ago. If they don’t win it all now, they may never get the chance again because of bad ownership and a below average front office. Here we are, two years later…….
— •RvW (@ravenwizardd) December 13, 2024
Higgins and Chase form one of the best WR duos in the league, and having them on the roster is the key to the Bengals’ success. With Burrow and these two receivers, the team doesn’t need much improvement on the offensive side of the ball, apart from having a respectable offensive line.
By securing long-term extensions with Chase and Higgins, the front office will be free to focus on the defense, which needs improvement. Cincinnati has allowed 27.7 points per game this year and is the league’s fourth-worst scoring defense.
Nobody knows what the franchise will do with head coach Zac Taylor and defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. With Bill Belichick becoming North Carolina’s head coach, Mike Vrabel might be the only head coaching candidate left who would be an ideal replacement for Taylor should the front office part ways.
The former Tennessee Titans head coach would instill toughness in the players, potentially improving the defensive players directly. However, since the Bengals are looking forward to offering extensions to Chase and Higgins after this season, making a head coaching change might not be financially viable for them.
Joe Burrow Is Likely To Restructure His Contract
Burrow signed a five-year, $275 million contract extension in 2023, and he is worth every penny. The Bengals quarterback could have easily won the MVP this season had their defense been slightly better.
Cincinnati is unlikely to make the playoffs, and given how competitive its quarterback is, Burrow will do whatever he can to construct an elite roster next season.
He is expected to restructure his contract as it could open the immediate funds to keep Chase and Higgins on the roster. Per Spotrac, the Bengals are projected to have $59.7 million in cap space next year, and the front office has to be at its best to put a good team around its quarterback.
Chase is arguably among the two best receivers in the league, exemplified by his push for the 2024 triple crown, but he has played better when Higgins is on the field. The two wideouts complement each other, and since the quarterback wants to keep both of them, the franchise should not do anything that would upset him.
The upcoming NFL Draft is also quite crucial for Cincinnati, as one of the biggest reasons why the Kansas City Chiefs have been successful is that they have found valuable players every year through the draft. If the Bengals want to compete with the Chiefs, they have to be smart in the free agency and in the draft, as Burrow has shown over the years he can go toe to toe with Patrick Mahomes.