Tee Higgins is set to hit free agency and is expected to be the most coveted free agent in the offseason. The Cincinnati Bengals used the franchise tag on him a year ago, but it’s unlikely they’ll do so again.
Since the Bengals also have to offer an extension that could be around the $40 million mark annually to Ja’Marr Chase, it will be tough for them to keep both star receivers.
Fans React to Tee Higgins’ Projected Contract Value
Based on a recent report from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Higgins could get over $30 million annually on a contract extension or a new deal in free agency.
Fans on social media had mixed responses to the projected value for the Bengals’ wideout. Some think he is too injury-prone to get that type of money, while others feel he deserves it since he would qualify as a WR1 on multiple teams.
Here are some of the reactions:
How many full healthy seasons has he played?
— The Scofflaw (@tangyoj) February 2, 2025
“$30 million for an injury-prone WR seems like a lot,” said a fan.
“No way they are paying both receivers elite money,” wrote a fan in reference to the Bengals possibly keeping both Higgins and Chase.
The wr market is absolutely exploding. Tee getting 30 million?!? He's good but idk if he's that good.
— Chris For the Win (@superninerfan74) February 2, 2025
“He is definitely a good receiver and worth big $$ and can be any team’s number 1 receiver,” said a fan.
“He’s better than Brandon Aiyuk, and Aiyuk got $30 million,” added a fan in support of Higgins.
If the #Patriots are going to sign Tee Higgins they’re going to have to overpay.
The deal would be looked down upon nationally, but the help he would bring to New England is worth it.
Give it a year or two after, and the deal looks perfectly fine for his value. https://t.co/TMPp5UqvKr
— Andrew Guindon (@NestPgs) February 2, 2025
Aiyuk signed a four-year, $120 million deal last offseason, and Higgins is expected to get paid more than him. Currently, these three players are the highest-paid wide receivers in the league based on the average annual value of their contracts:
- Justin Jefferson – $35 million
- CeeDee Lamb – $34 million
- A.J. Brown – $32 million
While Chase will likely become the highest-paid receiver in the league with his extension, Higgins could also surpass Brown’s contract value. Teams like the Washington Commanders, New England Patriots, and Los Angeles Chargers are expected to be in the mix for the free-agent wideout.
Patriots Remain the Favorite To Sign Bengals’ WR
The Patriots are projected to have $124.05 million in cap space for the next season, the most in the league. They are in desperate need of a wide receiver and could easily overpay to get Higgins.
With Drake Maye as their quarterback and Mike Vrabel as the head coach, the Patriots will be a good landing spot for several players in the league. If the AFC East team wants to get Higgins, they have the capability of outbidding every other team in the league and making him potentially the third-highest-paid wideout in the league.
Higgins would be a huge addition to the Patriots, as he will immensely help in Maye’s development, who impressed everyone during his rookie season. The team will also prioritize improving the offensive line, but that will likely be done via the fourth overall pick.
Patriots fans will be quite unhappy if they fail to land the Bengals star, so the pressure will be on the front office and the new coaching staff to make sure Higgins plays in New England next season.
As for the Bengals, it will be better for them if they don’t keep both Higgins and Chase. Their defense was one of the worst in the league this past season, and the money should be allocated to help new defensive coordinator Al Golden gain some reinforcements on that side of the ball and also retain Trey Hendrickson.