Chad Johnson Feels Tee Higgins, Bengals Will Work It Out amid Contract, Trade Rumors

Featured Columnist IVMay 5, 2024

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - DECEMBER 31: Tee Higgins #5 of the Cincinnati Bengals lines up to run a route during an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on December 31, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ryan Kang/Getty Images)

Ryan Kang/Getty Images

Chad Johnson is not worried about the contract impasse between Tee Higgins and the Cincinnati Bengals.

The former Bengals star spoke to TMZ and said he's confident the two sides will reach a deal after talking to Higgins.

"I think we're going to work it out. We'll figure it out. ... It's business—it's the nature of the business. He's going to be all right, though," Johnson said.

The Bengals used their franchise tag on Higgins in March, and there has seemingly been no progress on a long-term contract. Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer reported Cincinnati's initial offer to Higgins did not even top $20 million per season.

Higgins is slated to $21.8 million in 2024 on the franchise tag. There are currently 18 receivers who make at least $20 million per season, and Higgins almost certainly wants to become the 19th.

Charlie Clifford @char_cliff
New <a href="https://twitter.com/WLWT?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WLWT</a>: Tee Higgins says he does anticipate playing for the Bengals in 2024. <a href="https://t.co/kMh0Lar8Ws">pic.twitter.com/kMh0Lar8Ws</a>

Higgins said he does expect to play for the Bengals this season even if there is no new contract.

✨ Watch more top videos, highlights, and B/R original content

"I do anticipate it," Higgins told WLWT last month. "I've grown a love for Cincy that I didn't think I would, but, you know, man, looking forward to it."

Higgins recorded career lows in receptions (42), receiving yards (656) and receiving touchdowns (5) while being limited to 12 games due to injury last season.