Tee Higgins’ re-signing with the Bengals isn’t a sure thing

CINCINNATI – Take it as you will.

That was the gist of what Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow had to say as he walked past reporters back into the visiting locker room at AT&T Stadium after the team’s recent win over the Dallas Cowboys. Just minutes earlier, Burrow surprisingly went out of his way to make a definitive statement about wide receiver Tee Higgins.

According to him, Higgins will be part of the team’s future, which seemed unlikely given the future makeup of Cincinnati’s roster. Not only does Burrow have a contract that pays him $55 million annually, but wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase also has his eye on a record-breaking contract that could be paid out at any time.

After Burrow publicly reiterated his stance, the idea that Higgins could come back seemed much more likely. And in his midweek press conference two days later, he doubled down when asked how he would feel if Higgins wasn’t back next season.

“I would be very disappointed,” Burrow said.

Higgins’ hopes of a deal could be boosted by a recent change. He is no longer represented by agent David Mulugheta. Mulugheta also represented former Bengals safety Jessie Bates III, who failed to reach an agreement with Cincinnati and ultimately signed a long-term contract with the Atlanta Falcons. Bates almost made the All-Pro team last season, and this year he leads all safeties with four forced fumbles.

The feasibility remains to be seen. But the numbers and comments from those involved show there is a way forward if the Bengals want to try to keep their star trio together.

Building on a big QB contract

A few years ago, Burrow famously said that he believed the championship window would last his entire career. But common logic in the NFL says it’s much easier to build a championship-caliber roster when the quarterback is on a rookie contract and isn’t one of the highest-paid athletes in the world.

The five-year extension Burrow signed in 2023 averages $55 million per year. However, Burrow has previously hinted that there are opportunities to rework his contract to allow for big contracts for other players in the future. The contract is structured similarly to the contracts signed by Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert and Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, both of whom were also drafted in 2020 before Burrow signed his own contract extension.

There’s also a scenario where Burrow can restructure his deal to essentially defer some of his future salary into a future roster bonus, which could free up short-term cash to accommodate Higgins and Chase.

Every year, the Bengals must acquire an option in March to extend his contract for another year, eventually ending in 2032. This year, his $55 million option bonus was converted into a roster bonus that can be prorated, according to a league source.

The combination of Higgins and Chase

The main reason signing Higgins is a big question is because of what’s on the horizon for the Bengals’ WR1. Chase was held back during training camp — he attended but did not participate in team practices — as he attempted to sign a long-term contract extension. Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings broke out in June with a four-year deal worth $140 million, including $110 million guaranteed. Both were records for non-quarterbacks. Chase said that if he wanted to beat Jefferson’s deal, he wanted to “kick the crap out of it.”

Considering what Burrow is doing right now, that could put pressure on the rest of the roster. But on Wednesday, Chase suggested it was possible for Cincinnati to find a way to pay both Higgins and Chase.

“It’s possible,” Chase said cryptically.

Like Burrow, he understands how important Higgins has been to what the Bengals have accomplished in recent years, with back-to-back deep playoff runs in 2021 and 2022.

“I feel like Tee deserves to be here,” Chase said. “He wants to be here. But ultimately this is out of my control. I only hope the best for him. I hope he can stay and we can carry on like this.”

Everything fits together

The salary cap figure for 2025 remains unknown. But there are a few things that could help the Bengals when the league eventually distributes that number to all 32 teams.

For starters, Cincinnati is projected to add more than $8.9 million in player cap space next season. According to the Roster Management System, the Bengals are projected to have $54.4 million in cap space next year.

And that number could rise. Cincinnati will have key veterans who are nearing the final years of their contracts. If the Bengals decided to cut defensive end Sam Hubbard, defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins and offensive guard Alex Cappa, Cincinnati could gain $28.1 million in cap space through 2025, according to the Roster Management System. These savings, including the current rollover amount, would net Cincinnati an additional $37 million for next season alone.

And that money could not only help extend Higgins and Chase, but also help improve a defense that has struggled this season.

There is also a contract situation with defensive end Trey Hendrickson that needs to be resolved. Hendrickson, who leads the NFL with 12.5 sacks, is still looking for a new deal after his trade request was rejected last offseason. His contract expires after next season.

“That’s something that will be evaluated this offseason,” Burrow said of how it all came together. “We’ll see after the season and talk about what we think needs to happen.”