Higgins Stays in Cincy: Analyzing the WR’s New Contract and its Effect on the Bengals’ Offense

The roar of the crowd at Paycor Stadium just got a little louder. Why? Because Tee Higgins is staying in Cincinnati. After months of speculation and nail-biting for Bengals fans, the star wide receiver has inked a four-year, $115 million contract extension. This move, coupled with Ja’Marr Chase’s record-breaking $161 million extension, solidifies one of the NFL’s most dynamic receiving duos for years to come. But what does this mean for the Bengals’ offense, and how will this impact their Super Bowl aspirations?

The Dynamic Duo is Here to Stay

In 2024, Ja’Marr Chase cemented his place among the NFL’s elite, achieving the receiving triple crown with a league-leading 127 receptions, 1,708 receiving yards, and 17 touchdowns. His performance earned him his first All-Pro selection and solidified his status as Joe Burrow’s primary target. However, the presence of Tee Higgins is what truly unlocks the Bengals’ offensive potential.

Higgins, drafted 33rd overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, has consistently proven himself as a reliable and explosive playmaker. In 2024, despite playing in 12 games, Higgins hauled in 73 receptions for 911 yards and a career-high 10 touchdowns. His size, speed, and exceptional hands make him a constant threat, forcing defenses to account for him on every snap.

With both Chase and Higgins locked in, Joe Burrow has his two favorite targets secured through 2028 and 2029, respectively. This continuity is invaluable in today’s NFL, where quarterback-receiver chemistry is paramount.

Higgins’ Contract: A Deep Dive

Higgins’ new contract, worth $115 million over four years, makes him the highest-paid WR2 in the NFL, with an average annual salary of $28.75 million. The deal includes guarantees for the first two years, providing Higgins with financial security and demonstrating the Bengals’ commitment to him.

While some may question the price tag for a “number two” receiver, it’s important to recognize Higgins’ true value. He’s more than just a complementary piece; he’s a legitimate WR1 talent who would thrive as the top option on many other teams. His presence allows the Bengals to dictate matchups and exploit defensive weaknesses, creating opportunities for both himself and Chase.

Impact on the Bengals’ Offense

The Bengals’ offense, already a force to be reckoned with, is now poised to reach even greater heights. With Burrow at the helm and Chase and Higgins on the receiving end, Cincinnati boasts a passing attack that can challenge any defense in the league.

Here’s how Higgins’ presence elevates the Bengals’ offense:

Opens up the field: Higgins’ ability to win one-on-one matchups forces defenses to allocate resources to contain him, preventing them from solely focusing on Chase. This creates more space for both receivers to operate and allows Burrow to make easier reads.
Red-zone threat: Higgins’ size and physicality make him a formidable weapon in the red zone. His 10 touchdowns in 2024 demonstrate his ability to convert opportunities into points, providing the Bengals with a crucial advantage in scoring situations.
Versatility: Higgins can line up both outside and in the slot, giving the Bengals flexibility in their formations and play-calling. This versatility makes it difficult for defenses to predict their intentions and allows them to exploit mismatches.
Reliability: Higgins is known for his sure hands and ability to make contested catches. This reliability gives Burrow confidence in throwing to him in crucial situations, such as third downs and late-game scenarios.

The Financial Implications

Committing significant resources to Burrow, Chase, and Higgins means the Bengals will have to make tough decisions elsewhere on the roster. With approximately $124 million per year dedicated to these three offensive stars, the team will need to find creative ways to address other needs, particularly on defense.

The Bengals have already made some moves to bolster their defense, signing defensive tackle T.J. Slaton and linebacker Oren Burks. However, they’ve also lost key contributors like edge Sam Hubbard to retirement.

The challenge for the Bengals’ front office will be to build a competitive defense through the draft and strategic free-agent signings, while also managing the salary cap effectively. This will require identifying undervalued players and developing young talent.

Can the Bengals Overcome Defensive Deficiencies?

In 2024, despite Burrow’s MVP-caliber season and Chase’s receiving triple crown, the Bengals missed the playoffs due to a defense that struggled to consistently stop opponents. They ranked 26th in points per game and 25th in yards per game, highlighting their defensive vulnerabilities.

The Bengals have replaced defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo with Al Golden, hoping for a fresh perspective and improved performance. However, the success of the defense will ultimately depend on the players on the field.

The Bengals’ high-powered offense can certainly compensate for some defensive shortcomings, but they cannot afford to consistently engage in high-scoring shootouts. To contend for a Super Bowl, they need a defense that can make timely stops and force turnovers.

The Road Ahead

The Bengals’ decision to extend Higgins and Chase demonstrates their commitment to building a championship-caliber team around Joe Burrow. With one of the league’s most explosive offenses, they have the potential to make a deep playoff run.

However, their success will hinge on their ability to address their defensive deficiencies and maintain a balanced roster. The Bengals face a challenging schedule in 2025, with games against several top offenses. Their ability to contain these opponents will be crucial to their success.

Tee Higgins staying in Cincinnati is a major victory for the Bengals and their fans. It solidifies their offensive core and gives them a legitimate chance to compete for a Super Bowl. The Bengals are betting that their high-octane offense, led by Burrow, Chase, and Higgins, can carry them to the promised land. Only time will tell if that bet pays off.