Tee Higgins had the best game of his career in Week 17 against the Denver Broncos. In what was a must-win game for the Cincinnati Bengals, the star wide receiver scored three touchdowns to keep his team’s season alive.
The Bengals are not yet in the playoffs, but Higgins’ performance gave them new hope for Week 18. After the season, the wide receiver will be a free agent, and the team’s fans went on social media to urge the franchise to offer him an extension.
Bengals Fans React to Tee Higgins’ Performance vs. Broncos
The Bengals used the franchise tag on Higgins this season, and he is earning a salary of $21.816 million in the 2024 NFL season. He is expected to make average much more annually on his next contract, so it will be tough for Cincinnati to keep him on the roster.
Joe Burrow has already expressed his desire for the team to keep Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase alongside him for years. Since the team’s quarterback is quite vocal about the upcoming contract extensions of his wide receivers, Bengals fans on social media also demanded the ownership to pay Higgins.
Here are some of the reactions:
RESIGN TEE HIGGINS NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!
— jetty (@jetiwnl) December 29, 2024
“Pay that man Tee Higgins @Bengals,” said a fan.
Another fan added, “If they don’t pay Higgins, they will regret it more than the Giants did for letting Saquon go. He is a winner. Pay him what he deserves.”
Pay Tee Higgins whatever he wants pic.twitter.com/k8CfiGO3UW
— WINCINNATI (@WINCINNATI_) December 29, 2024
“PAY TEE HIGGINS.PAY JAMAR CHASE. You have a chance to win every game when you have those two and Joe Burrow,” wrote a fan.
“You can’t replace Tee Higgins. I’m sorry, they should be pressing up that contract right now,” added a fan.
Pay Tee Higgins. pic.twitter.com/SKATCQ9DId
— Buddy Boy Bets (@Buddyboybets) December 29, 2024
In the 30-24 overtime win for the Bengals, Higgins finished with 11 receptions for 131 yards and three touchdowns on 12 targets. He also scored the walk-off touchdown and showed everyone why he is one of the best receivers in the league.
Many often underestimate Higgins as he plays alongside Chase, but the Clemson product could easily be the WR1 on any team. His teammates know his worth, especially Burrow, who never shies away from throwing the ball to him in crucial spots.
In 11 games this season, Higgins has 69 catches for 858 yards and 10 touchdowns. The 25-year-old wideout has increased his value for the free agency, and it remains to be seen how the Bengals will manage to pay both Higgins and Chase.
Bengals Will Face Tough Competition in Keeping Higgins on Roster
Since Burrow has made it clear that he wants both Higgins and Chase on the roster, the franchise is forced to negotiate lucrative deals with the star duo. Unfortunately, the Bengals will face tough competition from teams around the league to keep Higgins.
Per Spotrac, the New England Patriots will have $132.2 million in cap space next year, and they will likely go all in for the Bengals star. The Patriots’ recent struggles have put pressure on head coach Jerod Mayo and general manager Elliot Wolf. They have to make a marquee free-agent signing, and Higgins remains the best possible option on the market to help Drake Maye.
READ MORE: NFL Insider Reveals Patriots’ Heavy Interest in Tee Higgins
Apart from the Patriots, the Las Vegas Raiders could also be in play for Higgins. They are projected to have $111.4 million in cap space, which will make negotiations tough for the Bengals. The Washington Commanders also have enough cap space to sign Higgins, but since they already have a veteran receiver in Terry McLaurin, they could draft a wide receiver in the first round instead of spending more money on the position.
Miami Dolphins wideout Jaylen Waddle’s annual average salary is $28.25 million, and you would expect Higgins to get around or more than that amount in his new deal. The Patriots and the Raiders can break the bank for Higgins, and unless the wide receiver is willing to sacrifice some money, he might not return to Cincinnati.