Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (5) makes a touchdown over the Baltimore Ravens in the 3rd quarter Sunday October 6, 2024 at Payor Stadium. The Bengals lost 41-38 in overtime.

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NFL insiders expect Bengals’ Tee Higgins to land $30M+ per year in free agency

Tee Higgins expected to command $30M+ in free agency.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (5) makes a touchdown over the Baltimore Ravens in the 3rd quarter Sunday October 6, 2024 at Payor Stadium. The Bengals lost 41-38 in overtime.

Tee Higgins wants answers. The Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver made it clear he expects clarity on his contract “very soon.” “Wants to have an answer,” reported The Athletic’s Dianna Russini on The Scoop City podcast. Higgins knows his worth and isn’t here to wait around.

This offseason is critical for the Bengals. They’ve got multiple key deals hanging in the air—Higgins, Ja’Marr Chase, and Joe Burrow’s future all intertwined. Burrow hasn’t been subtle either. He’s publicly pressed the front office to lock in long-term contracts for both receivers.

Higgins’ value could break $30 million per season

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler estimates that Higgins could command close to $30 million annually. “The lowest estimate I heard was somewhere slightly above DeVonta Smith’s three-year, $75 million deal. The rest saw him breaking into the $30 million range, based on his status as a No. 1-caliber receiver and the number of teams desperate for pass-catching help,” Fowler explained.

Sounds like Tee Higgins will get $30M+ per season according to @JFowlerESPN. pic.twitter.com/HNOaktaHSp
— brandon (@JayDanielsMVP) February 1, 2025

Higgins’ price makes sense. He’s performed like a No. 1 receiver despite sharing the spotlight with Chase. Teams across the league are in dire need of top-tier talent, which only increases his market value.

Why the Bengals need to act fast

The Bengals face a serious challenge. Higgins isn’t just posturing. He switched agents mid-season to emphasize his commitment to staying in Cincinnati. His long-term vision includes Burrow and Chase, but the front office needs to match that commitment financially.

With both Chase and Higgins eyeing massive contracts, Cincinnati has little room for error. A misstep here could fracture the team’s core. The Bengals’ Super Bowl window stays open only if they secure their stars now. Higgins’ patience is running out, and losing him would be disastrous. Time for the front office to get real.

Image: Imagn Images

Tee Higgins

Natasha Bose

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