Since entering the NFL in 2020, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins has emerged as a star, and he’s having another terrific season. While Ja’Marr Chase gets the bulk of attention, Higgins has been playing at an elite level as well. But is Higgins paid like a stud wideout? And what’s the latest on his contract situation and negotiations with the Bengals? Let’s break down Higgins’ contract, 2024 salary, net worth, and career earnings.
Tee Higgins’ Contract and Salary
Back in March, Higgins requested a trade from the Bengals because he was frustrated that there hadn’t been substantial negotiations about a long-term extension in roughly a year.
The two sides ended up going back and forth prior to the start of the 2024 season, but they weren’t able to reach an agreement on a multi-year contract by the July 15 deadline. Instead, the Bengals used the franchise tag on Higgins, which the wide receiver ultimately signed despite his previous frustration.
The franchise tag is a tool that NFL teams can use to ensure they retain an unrestricted free agent. Teams do not have to use the franchise tag, and they are only allowed to use it on one player per season.
If a player signs the franchise tag, their one-year salary is fully guaranteed. As soon as the player signs the tag, his one-year salary cannot be rescinded, even if he’s traded.
Higgins’ 2024 franchise-tag salary is $21.8 million. While Higgins would have understandably preferred to ink a multi-year with the Bengals, it’s worth noting that he’s earning significantly more than he made in 2023 ($2.9 million).
Higgins’ $21.8 million salary makes him the 19th-highest-paid wide receiver in the league.
It remains to be seen if Higgins and the Bengals can agree to a new contract this offseason or if Cincinnati will decide to use the franchise tag on him once again.
A second franchise tag entitles a player to a 20% increase over their previous year’s salary, so Higgins would earn $26.16 million. An NFL player can theoretically be franchise-tagged three times (total, not by one team). However, no player has ever been tagged three times, likely because the cost is too steep. If a team uses the franchise tag a third time, the player is due a 44% raise over their previous salary (so $37.76 million in Higgins’ case).
Higgins’ Net Worth and Career Earnings
Higgins’ net worth is currently estimated to be around $12 million.
Throughout the course of his NFL career, Higgins has earned $31,923,495 from his NFL contracts alone.
It’s worth noting that this figure doesn’t include Higgins’ endorsement deals or off-field ventures — it only includes his contracts with the Bengals.
Higgins does have a number of endorsements, including partnerships with companies such as Coca-Cola, Cantu Beauty, and Nike.
In just seven games this season, Higgins has caught 43 passes for 558 yards and five touchdowns.