The Cincinnati Bengals have reportedly decided to use the non-exclusive franchise tag on wide receiver Tee Higgins for the upcoming offseason. This move ensures that Higgins will remain with the team for another year, but it also comes with financial implications. If he plays under the tag again in 2025, he will earn a guaranteed $26.3 million.
Given that league sources estimate Higgins could have earned over $30 million per year on the open market, Cincinnati faces a tough decision about whether to offer him a long-term deal or risk losing him in the future.
Ja’Marr Chase Seeks Record-Breaking Contract After Dominant, Triple Crown Season
Ja’Marr Chase, the Bengals’ top receiver, is expected to demand an unprecedented contract extension. Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz reported that Chase is set to command at least $40 million per season, making him the highest-paid wide receiver in NFL history.
Chase’s current contract runs through 2025, and he will earn $21.8 million under his fifth-year option. Given his elite production—leading the league in receptions, yards, and touchdowns last season—it is clear that Cincinnati will have to make a significant financial commitment to keep him happy.
Ja’Marr Chase (NFL)Chase has already expressed frustration over his contract situation. Before the 2024 season, he held out of training camp in an attempt to secure an extension, and reports suggest he nearly sat out games to strengthen his stance.
Despite failing to reach a deal, Chase delivered his best season yet, securing the prestigious triple crown by leading all receivers in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. His performance only increased his leverage in negotiations, as he now seeks a deal surpassing that of his former LSU teammate Justin Jefferson, who signed a $35 million-per-year extension.
Bengals Face Tough Decisions on Star Receivers Amid Salary Cap Constraints
The Bengals now find themselves in a tricky financial situation, as they must decide whether to retain both Chase and Higgins. While Chase is seeking a record-breaking contract, Higgins’ franchise tag salary already puts a strain on the team’s cap space.
If Cincinnati extends Chase while keeping Higgins, they will be allocating a massive portion of their salary cap to just two receivers. This dilemma forces the Bengals to carefully evaluate their roster-building strategy and consider whether they can afford both players in the long run.
Cincinnati’s financial challenges extend beyond its receiving corps. The team has already committed $55 million per year to quarterback Joe Burrow, which, combined with potential deals for Chase and Higgins, could create a salary cap crunch. The Bengals must balance keeping their offensive stars while maintaining roster depth for a Super Bowl run. Their upcoming contract decisions will have lasting effects on the team’s ability to compete at the highest level in the coming seasons.
