Booger McFarland issues lofty contract expectations for Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins

The Cincinnati Bengals have a tough decision to make this offseason when it comes to receiver Tee Higgins‘ contract. Higgins is set to become a free agent, but it was reported that the team is hopeful to sign him to a long-term deal before then.

However, as ESPN analyst Booger McFarland pointed out, Ja’Marr Chase will command a big contract when he becomes a free agent in the 2026 offseason as well. That begs the question as to how much Higgins is worth overall and whether the Bengals are willing to give him that number.

“Tee Higgins deserves north of 30 million per year,” McFarland wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “The key will be how much more Chase deserves 36+. How much is he willing to push it coming off a triple crown? Can the bengals win with (Joe) Burrow 55, Chase 36, Higgins 30 per year?”

As McFarland pointed out, that is a lot of money to tie up in just three players and especially when they all play offense. It would restrict what Cincinnati is able to do elsewhere and limit its ceiling as a potential Super Bowl contender.

If the Bengals cannot reach a new contract with Tee Higgins before March 4, they also have the option to franchise tag him. That would keep him around one more year and possibly leave the door open to work out a deal before the end of next season.

Higgins played under the franchise tag last season as well, making $21.8 million. That would increase to $26.1 million if Cincinnati opts to tag him again for 2025.

Injuries have been an issue for Higgins across the past two years as well, as he played only 12 of a total 17 games in both seasons. He still put up big numbers to finish with 73 catches for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns this past year.

Chase, on the other hand, is coming off of a career season that saw him lead the NFL in receptions (127), yards (1,708) and touchdowns (17). Keeping that tandem together along with Burrow, who is signed through 2029, is likely a big priority for the franchise.

If they want to do so, however, they’re going to have to pay a hefty price that will surely come above the $26.1 million number for franchise tagging him. We’ll have to wait and see how it plays out and if they’re ultimately willing to meet that number.