Honestly, if you've been watching the Cincinnati Bengals lately, you know the vibe. Everyone talks about Ja'Marr Chase. He’s the superstar. The "Triple Crown" guy. But if you really dig into why this offense actually functions, you’ll find that Tee Higgins is the glue. It's kinda wild how overlooked he gets despite putting up numbers that would make him the undisputed WR1 on about 20 other teams.
He just finished a 2025 campaign where he hauled in 11 touchdowns. That’s not a fluke. It's a statement. Especially when you consider he missed a chunk of time in 2024 with various injuries. When he's on the field? The dude is a nightmare.
The Reality of the Tee Higgins Contract Situation
Let's get into the weeds for a second because the money is where things get interesting. Last year, there was all this drama about whether he’d stay or go. People thought he was gone. Then, boom—a four-year, $115 million extension.
It was a massive win for Joe Burrow, who basically needs Higgins like a fish needs water. For 2026, Higgins is looking at a cap hit of about $26.75 million. That's a lot of scratch. But here's the thing: his contract is structured with these clever roster bonuses that act as a bit of a safety net for the team. He’s got a $10 million roster bonus coming up this March.
Basically, the Bengals have locked in their core. While teams like the Dolphins are currently staring at a total mess with their roster (more on that in a bit), Cincinnati chose stability. They’re betting on the Burrow-Chase-Higgins trio to carry them through the next few years. It's a gutsy move in a league where everyone is obsessed with "saving cap space."
Why the "WR2" Label is Basically a Lie
Higgins is 6-4. He’s 220 pounds. He plays like a basketball player boxed out in the paint.
I was looking at the 2025 stats—he averaged 14.3 yards per catch. In Week 9 against the Bears, he went for 121 yards and two scores. That’s elite production. He also has this crazy streak where he scored a touchdown in nine straight home games. That’s a franchise record. Not Chase. Not Chad Johnson. Tee.
Most people see him as the "other guy," but defenses can't treat him that way. If you double Chase, Higgins kills you on a slant or a back-shoulder fade. If you try to play man-to-man? Good luck. He’s too big. You’ve seen it a million times: Burrow just lofts it up, and Higgins comes down with it in traffic. It looks easy, but it's really not.
Tyreek Hill and the 2026 Career Crossroads
Now, compare that to what’s happening in Miami. It’s a completely different world. Tyreek Hill is arguably the most terrifying player in NFL history when he's at 100%. But 100% feels like a lifetime ago right now.
That knee injury in Week 4 against the Jets changed everything. A dislocated knee and torn ligaments at age 31? That’s heavy. Hill has even been on podcasts lately, like Terron Armstead’s "The Set," sounding like a guy who’s at peace with walking away. He’s literally said he’s happy with the career he’s had.
The Dolphins are in a corner. They’re looking at a $51.9 million cap hit for Hill in 2026. That is an astronomical number for a receiver coming off a catastrophic leg injury. Most experts—Marcel Louis-Jacques from ESPN is one of them—are saying there is "no way" he returns on that current deal.
- He’s likely a post-June 1 cut.
- Miami saves about $36 million in cap space if they let him go.
- They’ve already fired Mike McDaniel and GM Chris Grier.
It’s the end of an era in South Beach. While Higgins is just entering his prime at 26, Hill is staring at the exit door. It’s a brutal reminder of how fast the "Cheetah" lifestyle catches up to you in the NFL.
What This Means for Your 2026 Fantasy Draft
If you’re already thinking about next season (and let’s be real, you are), the choice between these two isn't even a choice anymore.
FantasyPros recently polled 11 experts on who to draft in a Half-PPR format for 2026. The result? 11 to 0 in favor of Tee Higgins. That’s a shutout.
Higgins is the high-floor, high-ceiling play. He’s tied to a top-tier QB in Burrow and plays in a system that refuses to stop throwing the ball. Hill is a complete wildcard. Even if he stays in the league, will he ever have that 4.2 speed again? Ligament tears are no joke for a guy whose entire game is built on twitch and acceleration.
Actionable Insights for the Offseason
If you’re a Bengals fan, breathe easy. The "Big Three" are under contract. The offense is going to be pass-heavy again. If you're a Dolphins fan, get ready for a rebuild. You'll likely see the team draft a guy like Jordyn Tyson or Carnell Tate to replace that production.
For the rest of us, keep an eye on Higgins' health in the spring. If he’s fully recovered from the minor dings that limited his 2024, he’s a legit candidate for a 1,200-yard, 12-TD season in 2026. He's not just a secondary option anymore. He's a centerpiece.
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Next Steps for You:
- Check the official Bengals roster updates in March to confirm that $10 million bonus payout—that’s the final "he’s definitely staying" signal.
- Watch the Dolphins' 2026 Draft strategy; if they take a WR in the top 15, Tyreek Hill's departure is officially a done deal.
- In dynasty leagues, trade for Higgins now before the "WR2" narrative finally dies and his price skyrockets.