“I’m confident that…we’re gonna be able to…bring Tee back,” is what Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow says every time Tee Higgins’ name comes up. But if we look at the developments that transpired over the summer, things have always looked a little unnerving. But don’t worry as even the WR’s mother has now joined the list of voices rallying to create pressure on the front office. But before we get to that…

For context: The 2020 second-round Bengals draft pick—signed on a four-year rookie contract worth $8.6 million—is set to become a free agent at the end of the 2024 season. Unfortunately, he’s rumored to be on a trade block, and was unable to reach an alternate agreement. And this is where things got a little tricky. The 25-year-old was eventually signed on a non-exclusive franchise tag in February this year, garnering him $21.8 million in 2024 (the second-highest cap hit on the team in 2024 behind Joe Burrow at $29.7 million). But what about next year?

Well, as per Sportrac, the WR’s value is set to shoot through to the $19 million per year range. The problem? Cap space. You see, constraints have reportedly run amok for the team with Burrow’s blockbuster extension worth $55 million annually, and Ja’Marr Chase (who leads the NFL in receiving yards, catches and touchdowns) eyeing a deal that will make him the highest-paid receiver in league history. But here is where things get interesting…

Kay Adams and Mama Higgins are fully hopeful that the Bengals “can make it work”. As per a tweet that surfaced on December 9, courtesy of the Up & Adams Show, the former NFL Network’s Good Morning Football host opined, “[The Cincinnati Bengals have] always been able to make it work. It’s just that we all had this foregone conclusion that they weren’t going to make it work. Why? Because…I’ve spoken to Tee, we haven’t heard anything from the front office, nothing’s been leaked or reported about any attempt of a conversation, or renegotiation…It just hasn’t happened with Tee. So, we all assumed, ‘He’s gone! It’s over’.”

Talking about cap space situation, she further mentioned, “Here’s what the surface-y numbers are: The Bengals cap situation is not that nuts, okay? They’ve got room. They’ve got money. Not crazy to think they can lock up these receivers if they structure it the right way. And I’m not saying restructure. There’s this whole narrative…It’s because of what Joe said.”

“Joe said, ‘I’ll do anything in my power.’ And people are right away like, ‘He’s going to write a check.’ Get the f— out of here! If Joe gave back a penny, I’d be upset. I’d be disappointed, because he’s already…he was a sale price for this team. I mean, if you look at the complexion in the market of the league here….Cincy has space. They got to fix the defense, and that’s a big part of it…BUT THEY CAN MAKE ALL OF THIS WORK.”

To this, her co-host replied, “Next year, they have about $63 million in cap space. 2026, they have the third-most projected cap space in the league,” prompting Adams to ask, “Will they spend it is the question,” and further continued:

“Here’s what I know. [Joe] doesn’t have to give money back. They can pay…you can absolutely pay both of them. The problem’s going to be guaranteed money. Who wants guaranteed money? Now if you’ve talked them into…all staying, figuring that out…you’ve got to get real [creative]…Can the Bengals do that? I don’t know if they have it in them. I hope that they do. I can tell you this…Tee Higgins is very well-liked by the team. Also, Tee Higgins is not getting enough credit for wanting to potentially return. I believe he does, I believe he wants to be a Bengal. And the reason for that is Joe Burrow.”

In an unexpected and rare instance, the WR’s mother, Lady Stewart, doubled down on Adams’ ask in a reply to the tweet: “I think they should to[o] @heykayadams”.

Talk about Higgins having the biggest supporter in his mom! She made her stance clear – not only can the Bengals re-sign the star wide receiver, but they should. And why should they not? It’s not every day that you get someone as talented as her son. He’s already racked up 302 receptions for 4,265 yards and 29 touchdowns over his first 66 career games despite playing in the shadow of Ja’Marr Chase in four of his first five seasons. In the 2024 season alone, despite injuries and five games missed, he has garnered 45 receptions for 581 yards and five touchdowns this season, and is an important part of the Bengals’ offense.

That explains why even his teammates have been hopeful of the youngster’s return…

What Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase said about Tee Higgins

The Bengals run on a trio machine: Joe Burrow, Tee Higgins, and Ja’Marr Chase. And the stats certainly back that! However, besides the on-field camaraderie, they also share a strong bond. That’s the reason why when Higgins was seemingly thrown under the bus, leaving everyone to speculate about his potential free agency, Burrow and Chase stood up for him.

For instance, Burrow made it clear: “Even if he’s not lighting up the stat sheet, defenses know he’s out there.” With this, the QB clearly stated that there is no question of keeping Higgins out of the team. “I’m confident that I think we’re going to do what it takes to bring Tee back. I know 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’re excited about that opportunity,” the QB said further.

Similarly, for Chase, who is also in the same contract condition, Burrow emphasized, “I don’t want to envision a world that is playing without Ja’Marr Chase.” Even when the reporters asked about the possibility of the three sticking together, Chase stated, “It’s 100 percent possible.”

“I try not to think too much of it. That is really out of my control. I wish I could sign Tee myself and have him with me for eternity, but some things don’t work that way,” he stated further.

So, all in all, everyone wants the trio to remain in the Bengals for the upcoming years. But again, as Tee Higgins mentioned, “That’s a question for upstairs,” it depends on the higher authority and what path they choose.