The negotiations are finally over and it’s time to start getting paid. With free agency winding down and players settling into their new teams, the NFL world received some jaw-dropping news about two wide receivers for the Cincinnati Bengals putting pen to paper on their new contracts.
While Ja’Marr Chase got his promised record-breaking extension that made him the highest-paid non-QB in the league, Tee Higgins wasn’t far behind. After weeks of back-and-forth deliberation, and even some drama, Higgins is officially under a shining, new, long-term contract. Let’s break down his salary, contract, and net worth.
Tee Higgins’ Contract and Salary
NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported the news that both contract extensions were finalized. Chase signed a four-year, $161 million deal, but for now, we’re focusing on Higgins’ new contract. You can find a full breakdown of Chase’s deal here.
Since joining the team in 2020, Higgins has been one of the most consistent and productive wide receivers in the league. Even as he took on a WR2 role behind Chase, his production was elite and right in line with the best No. 2s in the NFL.
Last season, despite playing in just 12 games, Higgins tallied 911 yards and 10 touchdowns — strong numbers that reinforced the Bengals’ urgency to extend him. His contract negotiations were a major talking point last offseason, but eventually he had to stay put with a franchise tag.
This year followed a similar script, with Cincinnati franchise-tagging him for a second time — much to the chagrin of his mother. It ruffled some feathers in the former second-round pick’s camp and caused his mother, Lady Stewart, to respond negatively on multiple occasions.
However, the drama — and the deal — are now complete. Tee Higgins will play for the Bengals on a fresh, four-year, $115 million deal. The first two years of the contract are guaranteed, and his average annual value (AAV) of $28.75 million places him right on the edge of the top-10 highest-paid WRs in the league.
BREAKING: #Bengals WRs Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins exclusively tell me they’ve agreed to contract extensions with the team.
Ja'Marr gets: 4-years, $161M with $112M guaranteed — making him the highest-paid non-QB in NFL history.
Tee gets: 4-years, $115M with the first two… pic.twitter.com/zbdnEDELgz
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 17, 2025
Despite Joe Burrow’s vocal support for keeping both Chase and Higgins, it was still a surprise to see the Bengals commit to both long-term, given their history of reluctance to hand out big contracts, especially ones with high guarantees and multiple years.
Had Higgins not reached terms on an extension, he would have played the 2025 season on a $26.2 million franchise tag.
Higgins’ Net Worth and Career Earnings
Right before his historic contract extension, Higgins was estimated to have a net worth of approximately $12 million, according to most online sources. However, with potentially $115 million up for grabs, that number should go up considerably in the coming few years.
READ MORE: NFL’s Highest-Paid Wide Receivers in 2025
Higgins has played under two contracts since entering the league in 2020. His rookie deal, signed after being drafted by Cincinnati, was worth just over $8 million. Last season, he earned nearly $22 million under the franchise tag.
In total, he has amassed $31,923,495 in career earnings — a figure set to skyrocket with his new deal’s guaranteed money. However, this total doesn’t include his off-field earnings, such as investments and endorsements. A recognizable name in the league, Higgins has already landed deals with major brands like Coca-Cola, Cantu Beauty, and Nike, among others.
As he continues to cement himself as one of the best wide receivers in the game and is paid as such, new ventures should continue to open up for him, potentially boosting his net worth even further over the next few years.