The 25-year-old is set to enter free agency in March.
CINCINNATI — Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins is poised to attract significant interest as a potential free agent this offseason, with the 25-year-old boasting an impressive track record of 257 receptions for 3,684 yards and 24 touchdowns over four NFL seasons; however, uncertainties surround whether the Bengals will retain him in Cincinnati, prompting a consideration of various outcomes, such as the likelihood of utilizing the franchise tag or the potential decision to let him enter free agency.
With the Bengals holding nearly $60 million in cap space, and the possibility of creating more through strategic moves, the team, having nurtured Tee Higgins since selecting him 33rd overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, is expected to prioritize retaining the standout wide receiver, considering the franchise tag, projected at around $21.7 million for wide receivers, as a viable option, supported by quarterback Joe Burrow’s desire to keep him on the team and Higgins’ expressed preference to stay in Cincinnati, making the utilization of the franchise tag the most probable and advantageous outcome over letting him depart in free agency.
Tag and Trade: 20%
In the scenario where contract negotiations with Tee Higgins’ agent David Mulugheta stall, the Bengals may need to explore the tag-and-trade option, considering the unappealing prospect of losing Higgins for nothing in the upcoming offseason; recognizing his substantial value across the NFL, potential trade partners like the Jaguars, Titans, Panthers, and Packers could express interest. While obtaining a first-rounder might be challenging, securing a high-second round pick could be deemed worthwhile, particularly when contrasted with the alternative of using $22 million in cap space on a player destined to leave in the following offseason. Though not the most likely scenario, the Bengals are expected to deliberate on this option, possibly executing a trade early in free agency to gain a clearer understanding of their salary cap situation.
Contract Extension: 9%#
Despite the Bengals’ desire to retain Jessie Bates, a long-term deal was elusive, and with speculation arising due to the shared representation by David Mulugheta for both Bates and Tee Higgins, there’s a 9% chance that the Bengals could face a similar challenge in securing a long-term agreement with Higgins; however, the likelihood of success rests on the considerable value the team places on the wide receiver position, which is currently highly esteemed in NFL history. While offering a four-year, $88 million contract with over $40 million guaranteed could potentially facilitate an agreement, the outcome is far from certain, leaving a 9% chance that both the Bengals would be willing to make such an offer and that Higgins and Mulugheta would agree to the proposed contract terms.
Leave in Free Agency This Offseason: 1%
The Bengals have several viable options to handle Tee Higgins’ contract situation, including keeping him on the tag, tagging him with the intention of a potential trade, or negotiating a contract extension; all of these scenarios are considerably more probable than the front office allowing a 25-year-old entering his prime to depart without compensation after completing his rookie contract. Drawing parallels with the approach taken with Jessie Bates in 2022, the Bengals prioritize retaining valued players, even if it entails committing significant financial resources for a single season. Despite external speculation, the Bengals are unlikely to let Higgins walk in free agency, emphasizing their determination to retain key talents.