Joe Burrow makes massive claim on Tee Higgins' future with Bengals in 2025 amid free agency rumors
Tee Higgins' future as a Cincinnati Bengal has been a burning topic since the start of the season. The wide receiver and the franchise failed to agree terms on a new deal, prompting speculation that he'll leave the team at the end of the 2024 campaign. However, Joe Burrow thinks otherwise.
Following the Bengals' 27-20 win over the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on Monday Night Football, the quarterback suggested that Higgins will remain in Cincinnati in 2025.
"I'm confident we're going to be able to do what it takes to get Tee (Higgins) back. I know that I'm going to do what it takes to get him back." - Joe Burrow during his post-game press conference.
Wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase echoed the sentiment and expressed his belief that the front office and Higgins will find a solution to keep him in Cincinnati beyond this season.
Higgins had a quiet game for the Bengals on Monday night, finishing with just two catches for 23 yards. Ja'Marr Chase led the team with 12 catches for 177 yards and two touchdowns.
Tee Higgins reacts to Joe Burrow's comments about future in Cincinnati
After the game, Tee Higgins was asked about Joe Burrow's comments about his contract situation with the Bengals, and he responded:
"That's cool. That would be exciting to return here and what not," Higgins said. "Shout out Joe."
Higgins and the Bengals had contract talks in the offseason but after the two parties failed to reach an agreement, the team placed the franchise tag on him to ensure he stayed with the team for at least one more year. Higgins reportedly requested a trade, but he eventually opted to play.
With Ja'Marr Chase's contract set to run out, Cincinnati will likely prioritize contract talks with Chase in the upcoming offseason before turning their attention back to Higgins. The team will likely make Chase one of the highest-paid wide receivers in the league.
That could complicate negotiations with Higgins, who is expecting a huge contract offer. The team could franchise tag him against but will have to pay him over $26 million.
Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase have made it clear that they expect the front office to retain Tee Higgins' services for the 2025 season and beyond. It remains to be seen whether the wide receiver and the franchise can reach a compromise and extend his stay in Cincinnati beyond this campaign.