In 2025, the Bengals gave Tee Higgins $115 million to be their No. 2 target, but a year later, he’s playing like a true top option

John Sheeran argues that Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins is performing like a true primary target in 2026 after signing a four-year, $115 million deal. Despite initial criticism of Cincinnati paying both Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase lucrative contracts, Higgins has amassed over 400 receiving yards through five games, outpacing Chase by 134 yards on identical reception totals.

The writer highlights Higgins's high efficiency, noting he averages 2.49 yards per route run overall and leads starting wide receivers with 5.76 yards per route run against man coverage. Sheeran emphasizes that while Chase's defensive gravity creates favorable matchups, Higgins's strong early-season form justifies Cincinnati's substantial financial investment in both pass catchers.