The Cincinnati Bengals face a dilemma that could shape the franchise’s future.
This offseason, can Cincinnati afford to retain Tee Higgins, one half of the league’s most electric receiving tandem? Or indeed, can they afford not to?
Decisions, decisions
Despite missing the chance to secure a cheaper deal last year, in my opinion, the Bengals must re-sign Higgins.
He will be this year’s top free agent. And Joe Burrow himself warned: “You do not want to make a habit of letting great players get out of the building.”
Tagging Higgins for $26.1 million could buy the Bengals more time. But I do not believe they should tag him, trade him or let him walk.
They should just get a long-term deal done – now. His recent switch to Rocky Arceneaux, the same agent as Ja’Marr Chase, may aid negotiations.
The dynamic duo
In a pass-first offense, keeping both star receivers seems a no-brainer. Their undoubted chemistry with Burrow has become the hallmark of Cincinnati’s success in recent years.
Chase cemented his place in the ‘elite’ bracket with the receiving Triple Crown, and his next contract will undoubtedly reset the receiver market.
Meanwhile Higgins, playing under the franchise tag in 2024, recorded 911 yards and a career-high 10 touchdowns, despite missing five games.
Yes, there are injury and durability concerns but those numbers still make him worthy of top-10 compensation.
Show me the money
And that is the sticking point. Can you pay both, especially after giving Burrow a cool quarter-of-a-billion just a year ago?
In my mind, yes. The franchise can afford to keep both players and also improve the team elsewhere.
According to Spotrac, they currently have about $53 million in cap space. Maybe another $40 million could come through obvious roster cuts like Sheldon Rankins, Sam Hubbard and Alex Cappa.
Despite being adverse to restructuring contracts, maybe some reshuffling of Burrow’s mega-deal is possible as well.
So it seems they have the means. But do they have the will?
Keeping the band together
While the price tag will be hefty, letting Higgins go – even in exchange for draft picks – could prove far more costly in terms of performance and morale.
Burrow has been vocal about doing what it takes to get Tee back, labelling him “a need”. But this organisation is not known for protecting its best assets, as Jessie Bates and DJ Reader can testify to.
Certainly, keeping the three amigos together would make a bold statement. And retaining Higgins – an elite weapon in his prime – could prove essential in the Bengals’ quest for that elusive first Lombardi.
So for me, ownership and the front office need to get their calculators out, open their wallets and invest in proven talent for once.
