On a recent Wednesday episode of the Pardon My Take podcast, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow was asked about the possibility of restructuring his contract to help retain key offensive teammates Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase.
Burrow appeared well-prepared for the question, offering a clear breakdown of potential options.
“You can convert some of the money to a signing bonus, which lowers the cap hit,” Burrow explained. “You can push some of the money to the back end of the contract, which also reduces the cap hit. Then, when you reach the later years of the deal, you can restructure again and convert it to a signing bonus. Another option is simply taking less money.”
The Uncertainty Around Higgins May Influence Burrow’s Contract
According to Joe Burrow’s teammate, Tee Higgins, his future with the Cincinnati Bengals this offseason is out of his control.
In an interview with Fox 19’s Joe Danneman, Higgins shared his thoughts on his potential departure, stating, “We all want to keep the core pieces together… Obviously, we want to build something here in Cincy… But it’s not in my hands right now. I have to do what I need to do, and if that means going to another team, then that’s what happens.”
Higgins also expressed his appreciation for Cincinnati’s fanbase, acknowledging their support and the well-known “TEEE” chant from the crowd.
To Franchise Tag or Not Franchise Tag?
Before the 2024 season, the Bengals placed the franchise tag on Tee Higgins after unsuccessful contract negotiations. If they intend to retain him for the 2025 season, they must either apply the franchise tag again or negotiate a new contract during free agency.
If Cincinnati opts to use the franchise tag, they face a significant financial commitment, as Higgins would command a higher salary than the $21.8 million he earned in 2024.
With Joe Burrow under contract through 2029, the Bengals must consider how best to build around him, and maintaining key offensive weapons like Higgins could be crucial to their long-term success.
Despite playing only 12 games in 2024, Higgins still finished 30th in receiving yards. Given a full season, it’s reasonable to assume he would have ranked much higher. Meanwhile, Ja’Marr Chase led the league in receiving yards, having played all 17 regular-season games.
A Lucrative Contract Coming For Higgins?
A potential contract for Tee Higgins in free agency could resemble deals signed by his NFL peers with similar production. For example, Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins recently secured a three-year, $72.75 million contract. Collins and Higgins are close in age, and their total receiving yards this season differ by only about 100 yards.
If the Bengals were to offer Higgins a comparable deal, he would earn an average of $24 million per year, making him the second-highest-paid player on the roster behind Joe Burrow.
Cincinnati faces a crucial decision regarding Higgins’ future, especially with star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase approaching free agency after next season. Chase, who led the league in receiving yards this year, is likely to command a massive contract. The Bengals may ultimately determine Higgins’ fate based on whether retaining both receivers in consecutive offseasons is financially viable.
While Higgins’ and Chase’s futures remain uncertain, the Bengals must decide whether to use the franchise tag on Higgins by March 4. However, Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin recently emphasized that extending Higgins this offseason remains a “priority” for the team.
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