When Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase signed nine-figure contract extensions with the Cincinnati Bengals, the combined $276 million commitment raised eyebrows. But through seven weeks of the 2026 season, both receivers have validated the investment. Chase continues his elite trajectory as a two-time All-Pro, while Higgins has emerged as one of the NFL’s most productive receivers, averaging 95.2 yards per game. Quarterback Joe Burrow has made it clear: Higgins is a priority target. 'We're going to keep feeding him,' Burrow said, noting Higgins’ current performance makes him hard to ignore.
Higgins, a 6-4, 220-pound seventh-year player, is on pace for the best season of his career. His ability to win on the outside and excel in tight coverage has made him a '1B' option alongside Chase. According to Next Gen Stats, Higgins leads the league with 7.1 expected points added on catches with less than a yard of separation, catching six of nine targets in tight windows for 99 yards and a touchdown. Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher emphasized the trust between Burrow and Higgins, citing a 19-yard completion against Baltimore where Burrow threw while Higgins was still behind the defender. 'I trust Tee,' Burrow said. 'He’s going to see exactly what I’m seeing and go get it.'
Despite his production, Higgins remains understated, deflecting praise after the Ravens win. His consistency, physicality, and chemistry with Burrow have solidified his role as a cornerstone of Cincinnati’s dynamic offense.
Source: ESPN General · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing