Total Pro Sports
With free agency looming, Cincinnati Bengals star wide receiver Tee Higgins knows exactly where he wants to suit up in 2025.
Unable to reach an agreement on a multi-year extension last summer after receiving the franchise tag, Tee Higgins ultimately signed the one-year tender. And if it’s up to him, the big-bodied receiver will remain with the only NFL team he’s ever known.
Speaking to Joe Danneman of Fox 19, Higgins made it clear that he wants to stay with the Bengals. However, the 26-year-old acknowledged that it’s not entirely up to him.
“We all want to keep the core pieces what it is. Obviously, we want to build something here in Cincy…I love it here, I love the city, I love the fans, I love the coaching staff, everything in the building. But, it’s not in my control.”
𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚: Star WR Tee Higgins says he wants to stay with the #Bengals but says it’s out of his hands, he told @FOX19Joe
“Obviously I would love to be here in Cincinnati. I love it here. I love the city. I love the fans. I love the coaching staff — everything in the… pic.twitter.com/00wtPniMOL
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) February 11, 2025
The Bengals also need to work on an extension with No. 1 receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who has one year left on his rookie deal. Complicating matters is the fact that Bengals owner Mike Brown is notoriously budget-conscious, even when he has a Super Bowl-caliber roster on his hands.
Despite missing five games in 2024, Higgins finished with 73 receptions for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns. Over his first five seasons, the two-time 1,000-yard receiver has 330 catches for 4,595 yards and 34 touchdowns.
It’s quite likely that Higgins will have to accept a hometown discount if he’s to stay in Cincinnati long-term. However, there’s no question that the 2020 second-round pick also deserves WR1 money.
Higgins has put up excellent numbers playing second-fiddle to Chase. He’s a true No. 1 receiver on most other teams, so nobody can fault him if he decides to leave Cincy to get paid what he’s worth.
