Bengals’ Tee Higgins signs with teammate Ja’Marr Chase’s agent; what this likely means for Cincinnati

After Monday night’s win over the Cowboys, Bengals star receiver Ja’Marr Chase said he wishes he could “sign Tee myself” when asked about teammate Tee Higgins’ future with the equipment. Chase can’t do that, but his agent, Rocky Arceneaux, will help Higgins sign his next deal after Higgins hires him as his new agent.

Both players are nearing the end of their rookie contracts. Higgins was franchise tagged by the Bengals last offseason and is scheduled to enter free agency this offseason. Chase is in the final year of his rookie contract after he and the Bengals failed to agree on an extension last summer.

Chase is expected to receive a contract that, at a minimum, will make him one of the highest-paid receivers in the NFL. Higgins is also in line to receive a lucrative extension after excelling as Cincinnati’s second wide receiver since Chase arrived in 2021. The duo, arguably the best in the NFL, have played a major role in the Bengals’ rise during the last four years, which includes an AFC Championship, as well as back-to-back division titles and appearances in the AFC Championship game.

Higgins joining forces with Chase’s agent is certainly an encouraging sign for the Bengals, who would obviously love to keep both players. In theory, Chase, Higgins and Arceneaux can work closely with the Bengals when it comes to negotiating both contracts shortly after the 2024 season begins.

Both players’ futures with the Bengals have been a hot topic all year. The general consensus has been that Chase will remain in Cincinnati, but optimism hasn’t been as high regarding Higgins in recent months. However, that changed after Chase and quarterback Joe Burrow He publicly expressed his desire for the team to re-sign Higgins. after the victory over Dallas.

“I’m confident we’ll be able to do whatever it takes to bring Tee back,” said Burrow, who currently leads the NFL in both touchdown passes and passing yards. “I know I’ll do whatever it takes to get him back, and so will he. We’ve had those conversations. They’ll be off-season discussions, but I think we’re excited about that opportunity.”