The Cincinnati Bengals made headlines over the weekend by securing long-term deals with their top receivers, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
While many fans celebrated the contracts, analysts have scrutinized the details-especially Higgins’ agreement. The four-year, $115 million deal includes limited guarantees, particularly in 2025, leading to debates about whether Higgins made the right financial decision.
Sharpe roasts Tee Higgins’ deal
Former NFL star and analyst Shannon Sharpe did not hold back in his assessment of Higgins’ contract, calling it a questionable move for the wide receiver.
On Friday’s episode of Nightcap, Sharpe made it clear that while Higgins’ loyalty to the Bengals is understandable, the structure of his deal leaves him financially vulnerable.
“He wanted to be there because this is a bull jive contract,” Sharpe remarked. “I can’t be mad at him because that’s his decision. He wanted to play with Joe [Burrow]. He wanted to play alongside [Ja’Marr] Chase. That’s the only team that drafted him, and he felt some sort of loyalty. But y’all know that contract is bull jive. … I don’t know who your attorney was, but my agent would have never let me sign this contract.”
Higgins’ new deal replaces the fully guaranteed $26.16 million he would have received under the franchise tag.
However, his 2025 salary of $13.8 million, along with a $20 million roster bonus, is not guaranteed at signing.
The Bengals also have flexibility in the later years of the contract, making it relatively easy for the team to move on if necessary.
Sharpe’s criticism stems from the risk Higgins now carries.
Without financial security beyond this season, the receiver could find himself in a tough situation if he suffers a major injury or his performance declines.
Some analysts suggest that Higgins and his camp accepted these terms due to the Bengals’ salary cap situation and the appeal of playing with Joe Burrow in an offense designed to compete for a Super Bowl.
Higgins, a second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, has battled injuries throughout his career but remains a key contributor.
He finished the 2024 season with 73 receptions for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns.
While he has only surpassed 1,000 receiving yards twice, he is still viewed as a high-caliber target for Burrow.
Ultimately, the contract benefits the Bengals by maintaining roster flexibility while ensuring Higgins remains with the team in the short term.
Whether it works out in the receiver’s favor long-term remains to be seen.
Read the full article here
