Tee Higgins' contract decision adds pressure on Bengals in 2024

Schefter later explained that "a long-term deal ... is considered a long shot." 

Earlier this offseason, Higgins demanded a trade, but during an April interview, he sounded at peace with being in Cincinnati for the upcoming season.

"I've grown a love for Cincy that I didn't think I would so," he said, adding, "Looking forward to it."

In 2023, Higgins appeared in 12 games with 42 receptions, 656 yards and five touchdowns. Per ESPN Analytics, he ranked sixth among wide receivers in its yards-after-catch (YAC) receiving ratings. He averaged a career-high 15.6 yards per reception.

Since making his NFL debut in 2020, Higgins ranks 19th among all wide receivers in receiving yards (3,684) and 18th in receiving touchdowns (24).

As ESPN's Bill Barnwell noted, Cincinnati could apply the tag to him next season, which would cost $26.2 million. Considering what Higgins would likely go for on the open market, that's probably a steal.

However, with quarterback Joe Burrow's contract set to balloon beginning in 2025 and wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase due for a massive extension, the Bengals might be better off spending the money earmarked for Higgins on other positions of need, especially if they come short of their goals this year.

Cincinnati reached its first Super Bowl since the 1988 season in 2021, losing a heartbreaker to the Rams, 23-20. After a trip to the AFC Championship Game in 2022, the Bengals missed the playoffs last year as Burrow's season-ending wrist injury in Week 11 sunk the team's chances.

Chase and Higgins give Cincinnati one of the best 1-2 punches at wide receiver in the league. Most teams would be envious of the talent the front office has assembled. But with Higgins' long-term future in Cincinnati still very much in doubt, the Bengals can't afford to squander what they have while they still have it.