Tee Higgins signs four-year contract with Bengals

Tee Higgins, a wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals, has signed a new four-year contract. This deal replaces his previous franchise tag worth $26.16 million. The new contract has important financial details. For 2025, Higgins will receive a $20 million roster bonus, which is not guaranteed but must be paid five days after he signs. He will also have a base salary of $13.8 million and an additional chance to earn $2 million through active per-game bonuses. In 2026, his contract includes a fully guaranteed $10 million roster bonus and a base salary of $10.9 million, guaranteed on the fifth day of the league year. He can earn another $2 million from per-game bonuses for that year as well. The contract outlines bonuses for 2027 and 2028 as well, including a base salary of $19.2 million in 2027 and $27.3 million in 2028. Each year includes a workout bonus and active per-game bonuses. Higgins can earn up to $1 million if he plays 65% of the time and the Bengals win the AFC Championship. If the team wins the Super Bowl, that bonus could increase to $1.7 million. While Higgins has some guaranteed money, the Bengals have flexibility. They can decide year by year whether to keep him, potentially making his deal worth $35.9 million in 2025. However, they aren’t fully committed to future years. Ultimately, this contract offers Higgins more than playing under the franchise tag would have in 2025, while providing him some financial security for 2026. Yet, his history of missing games could affect his earnings significantly.