Not too long ago, it seemed unlikely that the Cincinnati Bengals would ever see eye to eye with Tee Higgins (or at least his agent).
The wide receiver was represented by David Mulugheta, who gets more guaranteed money for his clients than most other agents and doesn’t have the best relationship with the Bengals’ front office.
And then Higgins switched to the agent representing Ja’Marr Chase. It now appears that part of the reason was to negotiate the two deals together.
After the deals were done, Ari Meirov reported that the agent, Rocky Arcenaux, told the Bengals that they would not get a deal with Chase if they didn’t also agree to terms with Higgins.
In a savvy leverage move, Tee Higgins switched agents a few months ago, hiring Rocky Arcenaux—the same agent as Ja’Marr Chase. Knowing the #Bengals wanted to keep Chase and that Joe Burrow wanted Higgins to stay, Arcenaux told the team: no Ja’Marr deal without Tee.
Now, both… https://t.co/bDfeJOA6Gj pic.twitter.com/CfsMvWVOE4
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 17, 2025
If true, this is quite the power move.
The Bengals’ front office, of course, is comprised of lawyers, so it’s not like they are pushovers when it comes to negotiations.
However, Arcenaux had something really big working in his favor: Chase and quarterback Joe Burrow were pushing for Higgins to get a deal as well.
And you don’t want your superstars unhappy, especially when what they’re asking for is completely reasonable: re-signing one of the most talented and likable players in franchise history.
That trio lit up the NFL this past season. Re-live some of their best moments in the video below.