Tee Higgins, a seasoned player for the Cincinnati Bengals, isn’t aiming to revolutionize receiver salaries, but he does want fair compensation. Reports suggest Higgins sought a contract akin to Michael Pittman’s recent three-year, $70 million extension with the Indianapolis Colts. However, the Bengals haven’t come close to meeting his request of around $20 million per year. Pittman’s salary ranks ninth among receivers, indicating Higgins’ worthiness of a similar deal, though he plays alongside Ja’Marr Chase, a fellow standout in line for a new contract.
The Bengals seem reluctant to meet Higgins’ market value beyond 2024, intending to retain him under the franchise tag for $21.816 million, providing short-term security but no long-term financial protection. Higgins seeks stability and is open to a trade if the Bengals aren’t willing to invest in him. Despite his trade request, the Bengals express a desire to keep him for their 2024 championship pursuit.
While Higgins prefers staying in Cincinnati, his willingness is contingent on fair compensation. His situation mirrors former Bengals safety Jessie Bates III’s experience in 2022, who eventually left for a lucrative deal with the Falcons. Sharing an agent with Bates, Higgins seems poised for a similar trajectory unless the Bengals reconsider their stance on his contract demands.
