Who Dey hoping for a brighter 2025? The Bengals’ 2024 season feels like it ended mid-sentence. That 9-8 finish? Oof. It’s like watching a movie with no third act—no closure. Just ask Joe Burrow, the guy who poured his soul into a redemption arc only to miss the playoffs. (That Chiefs’ 38-0 humiliation at the hands of the Broncos still stings). Now, as the offseason looms, Cincinnati might have another problem: Tee Higgins. Yep, the Bengals’ WR room could be getting a little more complicated.

Andrew Whitworth laid it bare: “It’s gonna be a stressful offseason to figure out who’s back and how they make all that work with the money.” Stressful might be an understatement. Keeping Higgins means doing some serious cap gymnastics, especially with Burrow’s $55 million-per-year deal eating up a lion’s share of the payroll.

Add Ja’Marr Chase’s upcoming extension—expected to dwarf Justin Jefferson’s record $35 million per year—and you’ve got yourself a financial Rubik’s Cube. But the Bengals know Higgins isn’t just any wideout. He’s the guy who makes their passing attack one of the league’s best.

Pairing him with Burrow and Chase isn’t just smart—it’s essential. Burrow said it himself: “I’m confident we’re going to do what it takes to bring Tee back. I know I’m going to do what it takes.” That’s QB1 putting his money—well, maybe someone else’s money—where his mouth is.

Still, the Bengals have to play this smart. Higgins is already pulling in nearly $22 million, and tagging him again would bump his salary by at least 120%. Yikes. Franchise tags are like duct tape—useful in a pinch but far from a long-term fix. A market-value extension would keep the trio intact for years, but it’s going to take some financial wizardry to make it happen.

And it’s not just about the offense. If Higgins gets his payday, the Bengals might have to cut corners elsewhere. That defense? It’s sitting at a dismal 29th in points allowed. Draft picks and budget-friendly veterans will need to step up big time if Cincinnati wants to remain competitive on both sides of the ball.

So, what’s next? For Who Dey, it’s literally a waiting game. For the front office, it’s about finding a way to keep their core intact while patching holes elsewhere. And is it even a surprise, if we are getting some tea about Tee looking for greener pastures elsewhere?

Tee Higgins: The ‘underrated’ free agent of 2025

Alright, let’s talk Tee Higgins. The man’s about to make some serious offseason noise, and honestly, can you blame him? Cincinnati’s WR1-in-waiting is looking for two things: a big paycheck and a bigger role. The Bengals have held onto him tightly, refusing trade offers even when the season started circling the drain. But now, it seems like that grip might be loosening, and the NFL vultures are circling.

So, where does Higgins land? That’s the million-dollar question—or maybe a multi-million-dollar one. While the New England Patriots are the clear frontrunners, NFL analyst Matt Holder is betting on a surprise team: the Panthers. And you know what? It kind of makes sense. Bryce Young, their young QB, is crying out for a legit WR1, especially if Adam Thielen gets cut. Holder nailed it: “Adding a young No. 1 receiver for [Bryce] Young should be one of Carolina’s top priorities in free agency.” Imagine Higgins bringing his 73 catches, 911 yards, and 10 TDs to a team desperate for offensive firepower.

But here’s the twist: the Patriots are no slouches in this race. They’ve got Drake Maye, a rookie QB who showed flashes of brilliance, and a front office that knows the value of giving a young passer the right tools. Matt Ballentine put it bluntly: “It’s a no-brainer for the Patriots to put the full-court press on to bring Higgins into the fold.” Both teams can give Higgins what he wants: WR1 status and a fat contract. The only question is, which QB will he vibe with more?

If Higgins does leave, the Bengals are in a tough spot. Sure, they’ve got Andre Iosivas, but he’s unproven, and their WR depth is thinner than a playbook on tanking. They might have to dive into the draft, eyeing talents like Tetairoa McMillan or Luther Burden III. Or maybe they hit free agency for someone like Chris Godwin or Amari Cooper. Either way, replacing Higgins is a tall order.

One thing’s for sure: Higgins’ free-agency decision is going to shake up the league. Whether it’s Carolina, New England, or some dark-horse team, his next move will ripple through the draft and free agency alike. Ba dum tss!