Tee Higgins may have subtly called out a Cincinnati Bengals executive on Tuesday, suggesting that the team’s public statements about his contract situation might not be entirely truthful. The situation unfolded after Bengals front office executive Duke Tobin spoke with reporters at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, expressing a strong desire to keep both Higgins and fellow star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase in Cincinnati.
Tobin was adamant that the organization was committed to signing Higgins to a long-term deal.
“Whenever I’m in charge of a football team, I want Tee Higgins. And so I’m going to do what I can to get Tee Higgins,” Tobin said. “Our preference with Tee Higgins is to do a long-term agreement. Always has been. It continues to be, and we’ll work hard to get that done.”
However, shortly after Tobin’s comments made headlines, Higgins appeared to challenge the legitimacy of the statement with a cryptic social media post.
The wide receiver took to X (formerly Twitter) and posted a single blue hat emoji—widely recognized as slang for “cap,” which means lying.
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Higgins’ Frustration With the Bengals’ Negotiations
Higgins’ post immediately sparked speculation that he was calling out the Bengals for not being entirely upfront about their efforts to sign him long-term.
The 25-year-old receiver played last season on the franchise tag after failing to reach an agreement with the team, and his social media activity suggests that a resolution still may not be close.
Higgins had an impressive 2024 campaign despite missing time due to injuries, recording 73 catches for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns in just 12 games. Given his production and value to the Bengals’ offense, many expected the team to work aggressively to secure him with a multi-year deal.
However, Cincinnati faces a financial dilemma. The team must also negotiate a lucrative extension for Chase, their No. 1 receiver, which could make it challenging to offer Higgins the kind of contract he’s seeking. With quarterback Joe Burrow already on a massive deal, securing both wideouts long-term could be a difficult task.
What’s Next for Higgins and the Bengals?
Higgins’ cryptic post suggests frustration, and if the two sides remain far apart in negotiations, the Bengals may have to explore other options, including a trade. If Cincinnati can’t offer him a long-term contract, Higgins would likely draw significant interest on the open market, as teams in need of a top-tier receiver would be eager to acquire him.
With free agency approaching and trade speculation swirling, all eyes are now on the Bengals’ next move.
Whether they genuinely intend to lock in Higgins or if his days in Cincinnati are numbered remains to be seen—but one thing is clear: Higgins doesn’t seem convinced by the team’s public statements.
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