Though the Bengals are 3rd in the AFC North division with a 5-8 win-loss record after week 14, the players are enjoying individual success. Their quarterback Joe Burrow became the first to score 3000+ passing yards in the 2024 season during the week 11 game against the Chargers. But there is another player about whom everyone is talking. It’s their WR Tee Higgins, currently signed on a 1-year $21.8 million deal.

While there were rumors that the Patriots could be the potential buyers of the receiver in the 2025 offseason, Burrow smashed those hopes and said, “Those discussions are ongoing. I am confident we are going to be able to do what it takes to bring Tee back. That I’m going to do what it takes to get him back and so is he. We’ve had those talks. Those are going to be offseason discussions but I think we are excited about that opportunity.” That’s great.

The Bengals have not made any decision about the WR, but they are running tight on money. They already signed a 5-year $275 million contract with Joe Burrow in 2023. There is another contract extension pending for Ja’Marr Chase, who is in his 4th year. He is playing in 2024 with a $1.055 million base salary. Signing extension for both WRs will be a tough task for the franchise.

However, Ja’Marr Chase also understands that Higgins gives them a potential in the O-line to stun their rivals. He also had similar sentiment to Burrow’s and said, “I wish I could sign Tee myself and have them with me for eternity. It’s 100 percent possible. It’s just playing chess at this point.” This double endorsement is huge for the WR. And opens the doors for a Bengals‘ resigning. However, not everyone is happy with the update.

The Higgins update is a jolt to the Patriots who wanted him badly. The Athletic’s Chad Graff claimed that they would sign him at any cost and said, “The Patriots are going to be all in on Tee Higgins. They’ve shown an interest in established receivers, and Higgins is the best free agent. I expect them to offer him the moon. The question is whether he says yes or no.” That’s interesting.

Higgins is unfazed by these discussions. While there could be a potential Bengals return on the cards, everything would be decided in the offseason. He is also ready to face the situation.

Tee Higgins not concerned

This year, the receiver has missed 5 games because of hamstring injury during practice (missed week 1 & 2) and quadriceps strain during practice (missed week 8, 9, & 10). However, in 8 games which he has played, the WR has done well. He has recorded 45 receptions for 581 yards with 5 touchdowns. Overall, in his 5 NFL seasons, he has two 1000+ yards season (2021 & 2022).

This is why Joe Burrow wants to keep him and Chase together in the O-line. There were some rumors that he was trying to do good on the gridiron so that he could have a bigger season. But Tee Higgins quashed those and replied, “I ain’t going to say I’m trying to have a perfect season to get a big contract in the future. I’m here to help my team win. And the rest will take care of itself.” That explains the situation at the franchise.

While everyone is trying to give their best, the team is still struggling to find a spot in the playoffs. They have 4 more games to go. And all of them are must-wins. The locker room would be happy to focus on the current season rather than thinking about offseason. That’s the right approach.