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MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. \u2212\u00a0 When the\u00a0Cincinnati Bengals\u00a0opted to pay both of their star wide receivers $68 million on an annual basis for the next four years, it was a defining moment for the franchise.<\/p>\n
It was a massive decision that the franchise made March 16. To pay two players at the same position that type of money isn\u2019t one many franchises would make. The Bengals, however, believed Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase would be worth the investment.<\/p>\n
No one questioned if the Bengals would pay Chase when he was due for his pay day. Higgins was the one who was expected to go elsewhere simply because Chase was going to command a record-setting contract.<\/p>\n
The Bengals fought committing to Higgins long-term. It took three years for the Bengals and Higgins to ultimately agree on a long-term commitment. And on Dec. 21 at Hard Rock Stadium, Higgins showed the Bengals\u2019 organization why he was worth the contract they gave him.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s a soldier,\u201d Chase said about his teammate and close friend following the Bengals\u2019 45-21 win over the Dolphins.<\/p>\n
Higgins has been in and out of concussion protocol three different times since Nov. 16. He missed Cincinnati\u2019s Thanksgiving win over the Ravens with a concussion. Then, he returned for the Bengals\u2019 Week 14 game against Buffalo. He then re-entered the protocol after hitting his head against the Bills and missed the Bengals\u2019 Dec. 14 loss to the\u00a0Baltimore Ravens\u00a0with a concussion.<\/p>\n
The Bengals were eliminated from postseason contention following their loss to the Ravens. Higgins could have decided to put his health first and sit out another game if he didn\u2019t feel completely comfortable. No one would have faulted him for putting his personal health first after going through what he did in the last month.<\/p>\n
\nTee Higgins discusses what the last 2 weeks have been like for him dealing with being in and out of the concussion protocol: pic.twitter.com\/3kEicZadDZ<\/a><\/p>\n
— Kelsey Conway (@KelseyLConway) December 21, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n