In the last 5 years, Tee Higgins has become a force in the Bengals O-line. But the franchise has kept his contract situation complicated. Last year, they placed the franchise tag on the receiver, keeping him on the team for one more year. This year, his performance was in focus. In 12 games (9 starter), he had 73 receptions for 911 yards with 10 touchdowns, the most in a 5-year NFL career till 2024.

However, the franchise’s approach hasn’t changed even this year. And his mother, Lady Stewart, became over hyped on February 18th and tweeted, “Selfish Bastards.” It was a mean dig at the franchise, forcing fans to go into a frenzy. But she later tried to cover it up.

When a fan asked if it was about the Bengals, she replied in negative. But most fans were not ready to believe that it wasn’t for the franchise. While some claimed that Tee Higgins deserved a multi-year deal with a minimum of $27  million yearly, some also claimed that the team would always fail to win a Super Bowl with the current front office.

It comes against the backdrop of league sources claiming the Bengals were planning to sign Tee Higgins on the non-exclusive franchise tag. It opened on February 18, 4 PM ET and will close on March 4, 4 PM ET. However, some also claimed that the team wants to sign him up on a multi-year deal which they missed last year. That would be great!

Meanwhile, the real question still looms big. Will the WR stay at the team if his wish for a blockbuster contract isn’t fulfilled? Both sides are walking a tightrope.

Tee Higgins waiting silently on his contract extension

Just a few days ago, the WR posted a series of photos featuring him working out in the gym. The 6 ft 4 in, 220 lbs athlete is trying to remain in the best shape, even while the shrouds of mystery surround his contract. But there was a message that caught everyone’s attention.

It read, “Priorities are rare, options are everywhere.” That’s a simple message to the Bengals. In December last year, he hoped for his rightful contract. But he had then claimed that his focus was on winning games. Yet, he changed his agent from David Mulugheta to Rocky Arceneaux and Caitlin Aoki of Alliance Sports.

They were hoping that they would get some kind of deal from the franchise by this time. That didn’t happen, though. But Joe Burrow, their star quarterback, has reiterated many times that he and the locker room want to keep Higgins with them. The Patriots are also eyeing him. The time is now. For the next 20 days, many teams will be using the franchise tag to keep their players. Will the Bengals ‘selfishly’ offer it to Higgins? Will he listen to them… or perhaps to his mom?