Contract extension for Bengals WR Tee Higgins might not be done 'anytime soon'
The Cincinnati Bengals are running up on time to extend two of their best players. There's optimism when it comes to a new deal for Joe Burrow. The fourth-year quarterback spoke with a calmness talking about the inevitable agreement during his season-opening presser on Wednesday. As for one of his most important teammates in Tee Higgins? […]
The Cincinnati Bengals are running up on time to extend two of their best players.
There's optimism when it comes to a new deal for Joe Burrow. The fourth-year quarterback spoke with a calmness talking about the inevitable agreement during his season-opening presser on Wednesday.
As for one of his most important teammates in Tee Higgins? Well, there's a bit more doubt.
According to ESPN NFL insider Dan Graziano, Higgins' deal hinges on how the top of the wide receiver market works itself out, specifically with Justin Jefferson yet to sign an extension. Jefferson's deal with the Minnesota Vikings will likely reset the market, and Higgins may be awaiting it to get a better offer.
Graziano also mentioned Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb as another factor into the holdup, but Lamb made it clear this week he's all in on playing this season and not worried about a deal, indicating he won't be signing an extension later before Week 1 begins.
That really boils it down to Jefferson. And even if that deal gets done, it's highly unlikely that the Bengals will agree to pay Higgins just as much (or more) for Higgins as the Vikings would for Jefferson.
"The Higgins deal is not done and might not be anytime soon, as the market for high-end wide receiver deals is likely awaiting resolutions on Justin Jefferson in Minnesota and CeeDee Lamb in Dallas. And the Bengals know star wideout Ja'Marr Chase is eligible for an extension next offseason. If they can't come to a resolution with Higgins, he and the Colts' Michael Pittman Jr. (another 2020 second-round pick who doesn't have to worry about the fifth-year option the way first-rounders do) could be the headliners of next spring's free agent wide receiver class." – ESPN's Dan Graziano
By all accounts, Higgins wants to stay in Cincinnati with this team, but he also wants to be paid like a top-five receiver. The Bengals are trying to do so without eliminating future cash to pay Ja'Marr Chase, who will be eligible for an extension next offseason.
Paying two receivers top-of-the-market deals is a much harder task nowadays compared to even a few years ago. The position has simply skyrocketed in value. That said, the Bengals have been preparing for this outcome for over a year now. They aren't running into any problems that weren't already foreseen.
Like with every top contract, it ultimately comes down to the real money. The Bengals don't guarantee cash beyond the first year of the deal, and the only exception might be Joe Burrow. Will Higgins accept this concession to stay in Cincy, or will he push for what Jefferson inevitably gets and find himself on the open market?
The clock is ticking for him to decide.
Bengals insider just gave Tee Higgins more negotiating power
Higgins’ value for Cincinnati is greater than you think.
Featured image via © Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
