Joe Burrow Puts to Rest Free Agency Rumors: Tee Higgins’ Future with Bengals in 2025 Looks Bright

Cincinnati Bengals standout wide receiver Tee Higgins has been rumored to be on the trade block as his contract is set to expire. At the moment, he's entering the final year of his contract and is reportedly due about $21.8 million for the 2024 season. After the Bengals failed to agree on a new deal during the offseason, the team placed a franchise tag on Higgins, which would keep him with the team for at least one more year. This move sparked rumors that he could leave the Bengals after the 2024 season since teams like the New England Patriots have reportedly shown interest in signing him.

Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow believes heavily in his ability to ensure Higgins remains for more than the 2024 season. Speaking like the very man confident about something and declared in that post-game press conference: "I'm confident we're going to be able to do what it takes to get Tee back. I know I'm going to do what it takes to get him back." So, this automatically translates that Burrow is also being involved and kept as a member in some discussion regarding the maintenance of Higgins.

Ja'Marr Chase – another of the elite wide receivers of the Bengals – also was grateful to say, "I wish I could sign Tee myself and have them with me for eternity."


When asked about Burrows' comments, Higgins seemed pretty thankful, saying, "That's cool. That would be exciting to return here and what not," Higgins said. "Shout out Joe." He did not let the contract rumors overshadow him, focusing on his immediate role with the Bengals. One can tell Higgins is not really letting the speculation get into his head while on the field.

The Bengals are in a hard financial spot, so it's hard to say that they can keep both Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase long-term. Already, the five-year, $275 million contract with Burrow has put a strain on the salary cap. With Chase up for a contract extension soon, some things could have to go-but keeping either Higgins or Chase might mean having to let go of the other.

Despite missing five games this season due to injuries, Higgins has still put up good numbers in the games he's played. He has caught 45 passes for 581 yards and scored five touchdowns. Higgins has also shown consistent production in the past, having two seasons over 1,000 receiving yards. His great play, even with only limited playing time this season, shows how valuable Higgins is to the Bengals.
There are rumors that teams like the New England Patriots are interested in Higgins. However, it's pretty evident that Burrow and Chase are doing everything they can to keep him in Cincinnati. The Patriots are reportedly willing to make a big offer to take Higgins away, but the words from Burrow and Chase suggest that the Bengals will do everything they can to keep him.
Despite not knowing whether he's staying in Cincinnati, Higgins and the Bengals are more concerned with what lies immediately ahead as the team remains in the hunt for the playoffs. Four games left in the season remain, and finishing strong to secure a playoff spot is at the forefront of the Bengals' minds. Contract talks and the offseason will have to wait until after the end.
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