Tee Higgins is still on a holdout and hasn’t reported to the mandatory training camp. The fact that he hasn’t signed his franchise tag speaks volumes about his future with the Cincinnati Bengals. Sources say that Ja’Marr Chase is close to getting a contract extension and the WR1 has shown up for the mandatory training camp.

This has spelled good news for Joe Burrow who recently bounced back to training after missing nearly half of the last season. When asked about the ongoing training Burrow said, “It’s nice to have Ja’Marr back. This time of the year is always about team chemistry, building that trust throughout the team so you can go out and perform on Sundays.” 

In the wake of these recent developments, NFL on ESPN chose to share their insights about how Higgins’ absence affects the Bengals. Marcus Spears of the show had some interesting things to say about the Bengals’ coveted wideout duo. He described the situation as a “double-edged sword.” “Tee Higgins is suffering because Ja’Marr Chase has been really good,” said Spears.

He further explained, “And that’s not to negatively talk about Ja’Marr Chase. That’s just the way that this thing goes when you have two really good start wide receivers on your team, Tee Higgins knows. Which is probably the issue that he can go somewhere else, command high dollar number one receiver type money.”

To get an idea of how important it is for Chase and Higgins to stick with each other, the duo has the third most receiving yards since 2021 (6,493) which is just behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle (6,894) and Mike Evans and Chris Godwin (6,564). Last year, Chase recorded 1,216 yards over 100 receptions and scored 7 times. Higgins had 656 yards, 6 touchdowns, and 42 receptions. Also, from the looks of it, the Bengals can only afford to pay one of the receivers and it’s most likely going to be Ja’Marr Chase.

Ja’Marr Chase ahead in the extension talks

The Bengals signed Joe Burrow to an extension of 5 years, paying him $275 million, and made him the highest-paid QB. The Cincinnati team might not have the resources to fund their existing receivers and that’s the problem. It’s either Chase or Higgins. Higgins has already paid 4 seasons and hasn’t signed his franchise tag, which is why he isn’t allowed to enter the minicamp. However, he won’t be paying any fine for missing out.

Talking about Ja’Marr Chase, he’s played 3 seasons with the Bengals and has given some wiggle room to his team, without an immediate concern. Considering Chase’s past performance, his extension is likely to fall in the ballpark of Justin Jefferson’s deal, which might pay the wideout about $35 million a year.

Per sources, Higgins was given a contract that would have paid him about $21.8 million this year, but that’s not justifiable to the wideout. Again, Spears laid out what’s eating at Tee Higgins as he struggles to solidify his place in the Bengals.

“Tee Higgins’ own worst enemy is the guy that lines up across the field from him during the season, which is unfortunate, which is a situation that you love to have when your quarterback is on a rookie deal, because you could pay those guys that money. But unfortunately, and time-wise, Tee Higgins is the odd man out,” added Marcus Spears.

Sometime earlier, Higgins expressed his desire to stay with the Cincinnati Bengals, but soon it was rumored that he requested a trade. But as the fog thins out, the chances of Higgins getting what he wants dwindle. What will become of Tee Higgins’ deal? Let us know what you think about it.