Cincinnati Bengals manager Tee Higgins has taken to using an unconventional strategy similar to Moneyball but with greater stakes. At the center of all this lies Tee Higgins who stands to gain from this financial move that feels even more thrilling than any of Cincinnati’s beloved Skyline Chili cheese coneys!
Higgins took an unexpected and surprising action by exchanging his $26.16 million franchise tag for an unconventional four-year contract, which upon closer examination appears to serve as one-year, $35.9 million trial agreement. According to NBC, this allows the Bengals the flexibility of making decisions annually with only $10 million guaranteed by 2026; should things not work out after 2025 season they could potentially part ways and continue managing roster agilely similar to how a quarterback avoids getting hit from behind by an opponent quarterback.
The joy seen in Bengals owner Mike Brown’s expression was unmistakable following the deal, especially noted by Higgins’s agent alongside Ja’Marr Chase’s contract signing. Yet, the complexity of Higgins’s contract has sparked discussions and debates across the NFL community.
A critical tweet underscored the controversial nature of the deal, highlighting how Higgins ostensibly traded a fully guaranteed franchise tag for a contract that offers no guarantees for 2025, except a $10 million injury guarantee in 2026. This arrangement essentially puts Higgins on a year-to-year observation, igniting a debate over the fairness and implications of such contractual structures.
Further complicating matters is a $20 million roster bonus in 2025 that hinges on Higgins’s availability; every missed game slices $1.17 million from his pocket, a precarious position given his injury history. However, the potential of earning $1.7 million in Super Bowl incentives adds an intriguing layer of high-risk, high-reward to the mix.
Chase’s extension through 2029 shines like the sun; Higgins’ agreement stands out as both bold and risky. Brown remains committed to winning Super Bowl glory while Higgins’ financial security rests precariously upon remaining healthy enough and performing consistently well enough.
As the Bengals navigate this high-stakes terrain, all eyes will be watching to see whether this bold strategy leads to Tee Higgins cashing out big or folding under pressure. Meanwhile, all NFL fans remain tuned in and ready for another twist in his contract saga.