Tee Higgins’ Free Agency Looms: $30M Deal Expected

CINCINNATI, Ohio — Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins is poised to become one of the most sought-after free agents this offseason, with NFL insiders predicting a contract worth around $30 million annually. Higgins, who has proven himself as a top-tier receiver, could command a deal that rivals or exceeds the three-year, $75 million contract signed by DeVonta Smith.

ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler reported that Higgins’ market value is expected to hit or surpass the $30 million mark. “The over/under on Bengals receiver Tee Higgins’ market is $30 million per season, and the majority of team personnel that I spoke with believe he’ll hit or clear the over,” Fowler said. “The lowest estimate I heard was somewhere slightly above DeVonta Smith’s three-year, $75 million deal.”

Higgins, 25, has been a consistent performer for the Bengals since being drafted in 2020. He recorded 908 receiving yards and six touchdowns as a rookie, followed by back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2021 and 2022. Despite battling injuries in 2023, Higgins still managed 911 yards and 10 touchdowns in just 12 games.

Playing alongside star receiver Ja’Marr Chase, Higgins has often been the Bengals’ secondary option. However, his ability to step up as a primary target when needed has solidified his reputation as a No. 1-caliber receiver. “Assuming Higgins is given the reigns as a No. 1 receiver, he could put up some of the best numbers in the league,” Fowler noted.

The Bengals could retain Higgins by using the franchise tag for a second consecutive year, but doing so would come at a significant cost. Alternatively, Higgins could test free agency, where multiple teams are expected to vie for his services. The Athletic‘s Dianna Russini reported that Higgins “wants to have an answer” about his contract “very soon,” potentially giving the Bengals an advantage in negotiations.

Higgins, quarterback Joe Burrow, and Chase have all expressed a desire to continue playing together in Cincinnati. However, the Bengals’ salary cap constraints could complicate efforts to keep the trio intact. “Staying in Cincinnati might prevent Higgins from being the No. 1 option, but he, Chase, and Burrow have had past success and could perhaps be the trio that brings the Bengals a championship,” Fowler added.

While loyalty to the Bengals may appeal to Higgins, a lucrative offer from another team could be too enticing to ignore. With free agency looming, Higgins’ future remains one of the most intriguing storylines of the NFL offseason.