Salary-cap expert has surprising take on which WR Bengals should trade, keep

Fitzgerald also stated that it’s more likely Cincy elects to keep Chase, who’s a more integral part of the offense Burrow’s top target, over Higgins if it is forced to pick between the two.

Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer said just as much, stating the Bengals likely won’t dish out the money to re-sign Higgins.

“The former second-round pick out of Clemson is not believed to be in the Bengals’ future plans,” Conway wrote. “Higgins was offered a contract extension this offseason but it didn’t meet what Higgins is expecting to get on the open market. Cincinnati’s front office will have the option to apply the franchise tag next offseason on Higgins to keep him around for one more season but that doesn’t seem likely.”

Chase has two more years left on his rookie deal ,and he could become one of the top two or three highest-paid WRs when he signs his next contract, which should land in the $25 million to $30 million range. Spotrac projects his 2025 market value to be around $25 million per season.

A two-time Pro Bowler, a second-team All-Pro and the 2021 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, Chase has been the Bengals leading receiver each of his first two seasons, in which he’s totaled 173 receptions, 2,540 yards and 22 touchdowns.

Conversely, Higgins, is a year older than Chase and in the final year of his rookie contract. He’s averaged 109 targets, 71 receptions, 1,009 yards and 6.3 touchdowns per year during his first three seasons.

Higgins has a $3.96 million cap hit in 2023 and will get a substantial raise next offseason. Spotrac estimates his 2024 market value around $22.6 million per season, and he will likely have his pick of teams if he hits free agency.