Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins isn’t one to sit around and let things play out for too long—at least not when it comes to his NFL future. He wants clarity, and he wants it soon. According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini on The Scoop City podcast, Higgins is eager to get an answer regarding his contract status as quickly as possible. His goal? Avoid letting negotiations drag on into the chaos of NFL free agency in March.
This urgency from Higgins isn’t all that surprising. If you look at his moves over the past year, it’s clear he’s been proactive in securing his future. A major sign of this was when he switched agents, parting ways with someone the Bengals had never completed an extension with before. That move alone indicated he was serious about getting a deal done. Add to that his reported close alignment with Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase in terms of staying in Cincinnati long-term, and it’s clear Higgins has been thinking ahead.
Higgins’ Loyalty and Business Savvy
It’s worth remembering that Higgins handled his franchise tag situation last summer as professionally as possible. Instead of holding out or creating offseason drama, he signed the tag early, signaling that he was willing to work with the Bengals rather than against them. That’s the kind of move that shows a player’s commitment to a team—he didn’t stir up headlines demanding a deal, he simply got to work.
What’s even more interesting is that Higgins reportedly isn’t fixated on being a No. 1 wide receiver somewhere else. For some players, getting that WR1 label is the ultimate goal, but Higgins seems to have a different priority: stability and the right fit. That gives the Bengals a real shot at locking him in without the kind of bidding war that often erupts in free agency.
The Bengals’ Balancing Act
On the other side of the equation, Cincinnati’s front office has a lot on its plate. They’re already dealing with Ja’Marr Chase’s looming extension, which is likely to come with a hefty price tag. Then there’s the situation with Trey Hendrickson, another key piece of their roster whose future remains uncertain. Factor in the team’s need to upgrade various positions to remain competitive, and the Bengals’ decision-making process becomes even more complicated.
That’s why, despite Higgins’ willingness to work toward a deal, he may still test the market. It’s simply the nature of the business. Even players who have strong ties to their teams often explore their options to see what other franchises are willing to offer. And if the Bengals hesitate too long or lowball Higgins in negotiations, another team could swoop in with a deal that’s too good to refuse.
What Happens Next?
If the Bengals want to keep Higgins, they don’t need to overthink this. The wide receiver has already made moves that suggest he’s open to staying—now it’s up to the team to step up and present a fair contract offer. If they do, this entire situation could be resolved well before free agency even begins.
However, history suggests that these negotiations rarely go that smoothly. If Higgins does enter free agency, the competition for his services will be intense. Teams with cap space and a need for a top-tier wideout will undoubtedly throw offers his way. For the Bengals, that means the clock is ticking. If they truly value Higgins as part of their long-term plans, they need to act fast.
The Bigger Picture for Cincinnati
The Bengals are in a critical phase right now. With Joe Burrow at quarterback and a solid offensive core, they have the pieces to compete for a Super Bowl. But keeping that core intact requires careful financial maneuvering.
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Do they prioritize Chase’s massive upcoming deal first?
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Can they afford to pay Higgins what he’s worth while managing the rest of the roster?
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Will they risk losing a key weapon if they hesitate too long?
These are the questions Cincinnati’s front office is facing. Higgins, for his part, has done everything right. He’s been patient, professional, and clear about his intentions. Now, the ball is in the Bengals’ court. Will they lock him in, or will they risk losing a playmaker who could be instrumental in their championship aspirations? One way or another, an answer is coming soon.
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