Patriots Eye Tee Higgins as Bengals Face Tough Financial Decisions
The New England Patriots are in desperate need of a star wide receiver, and Tee Higgins is shaping up to be the top option in free agency. The only thing standing in their way? The Cincinnati Bengals finding a way to re-sign him.
How Likely Are the Bengals to Keep Higgins?
Based on recent comments from the team’s de facto GM, the odds aren’t great.
Higgins has been at the center of contract discussions all season. After playing under the franchise tag in 2024, the 26-year-old is now on track to test the open market. With New England projected to have the most cap space in the NFL, they’re in prime position to make a strong offer.
Even Patriots players are getting in on the recruitment effort.
Tee Higgins, if you’re out there… Come to the Pats, bro, said Kendrick Bourne in a TikTok live session. Drake Maye and Tee Higgins—touchdown. Look how good that sounds.
Bengals’ Cap Crunch: A Roadblock to Re-Signing Higgins
Cincinnati has made efforts to retain Higgins, but their financial situation complicates things. According to Over The Cap, the Bengals are expected to have $46.5 million in cap space in 2025—10th most in the NFL. However, much of that is already tied up in their passing game:
- Joe Burrow: $46.25 million cap hit
- Ja’Marr Chase: $18.6 million cap hit (following a massive extension)
The Bengals also have other pressing needs. Trey Hendrickson, their top pass rusher, will be a free agent in 2026. Meanwhile, their offensive line remains a major concern.
Can Cincinnati Afford to Keep Higgins?
Financially, the Bengals could retain him. But based on Duke Tobin’s comments, that’s far from guaranteed.
We feel like we have the resources, but it depends on negotiations, Tobin told the Cincinnati Inquirer. “It comes down to finding the right number for his experience, playing time, and production.
The clock is ticking. Unless something changes, Higgins will hit free agency on March 12—and the Patriots will be ready to make their move.
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