Higgins, who played under the franchise tag with the Bengals in 2024, battled injuries but remained a key playmaker when on the field. Despite missing time, he finished the season with 73 receptions for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns, tying for sixth in the league in scoring catches.

At 6-foot-4 and 219 pounds, Higgins has proven he can be a go-to receiver, even while sharing the field with Ja’Marr Chase. With Cincinnati facing tough financial decisions, some league executives question whether the Bengals can afford to keep both receivers long-term.

Since entering the NFL as a second-round pick in 2020, Higgins has totaled 330 catches, 4,595 yards, and 34 touchdowns. Free agency officially opens on March 12, with negotiations beginning on March 10.