Tee Higgins has ‘little to no chance’ of returning to the Bengals for the 2025 season

Tee Higgins has been a fixture in the world for five years Cincinnati Bengals wide reception room.

It seems that this will no longer be the case in 2025.

According to a report Wednesday morning, Higgins has “little to no chance” of returning to the Bengals next season report from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. The Clemson product – still only 25 – is making $21.8 million under the franchise tag this season, and would make $26.2 million if Cincinnati were to tag him next year.

From a narrative perspective, Higgins’ contract situation in recent months pales in comparison to that of fellow wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase. In the shadow of his better-known teammate, Higgins has posted two 1,000-yard seasons since the Bengals drafted him in the 2020 second round.

In 2024, Higgins caught 29 passes for 341 yards and three touchdowns in five games while dealing with a hamstring injury. Cincinnati is 4-6 this season, one game behind the Denver Broncos for the AFC’s final wild-card playoff spot.