The case for (and against) the Chicago Bears signing Tee Higgins in free agency

The Chicago Bears need a really good wide receiver.

Really good wide receiver Tee Higgins needs a new contract.

Match made in football heaven, right?

Maybe.

The second option on a Cincinnati Bengals team that pounds the field like the field owes the franchise money, Higgins wants to get paid, and that’s fair.

The free agent finished 2024 with 911 yards on 73 receptions, numbers that would’ve been significantly higher had he not missed five games.

He scored 10 touchdowns in 12 games, tied for fifth-most in the league with Justin Jefferson.

Here’s a mere 26-year-old.

Yes, the Clemson product is a WR1-level talent, but before Ryan Poles pulls out a contract, there are a few cons he’ll need to address, some of which will be mitigated by the pros, and some of which, not so much.

Tee Higgins vs Broncos 🔥🔥🔥

11 rec
131 yards
3 touchdowns pic.twitter.com/msZZDf312N
— Shannonnn sharpes Burner (PARODY Account) (@shannonsharpeee) December 29, 2024

PRO: Fills a Need

It’s up in the air as to whether Keenan Allen will be in a Bears uni next season, so there could be an open slot opposite D.J. Moore.

CON: $$$

Pro Football Focus guesstimates Higgins will ask for a deal in the neighborhood of $112 million over four years. That’s a huge cap hit and could keep the Bears from filling their numerous other holes.

PRO: A Better Life for Caleb Williams

The Keenan Allen of 2024 was solid, but he wasn’t the Keenan Allen of 2017. The Tee Higgins of 2024 had a career-high in touchdowns, despite playing the shortest season of his career.

CON: Could Stunt Rome Odunze’s Growth

With Higgins in the fold, Odunze will remain third on Chicago’s WR depth chart, not great for Odunze, who will want to eat.

PRO: Another Toy for Ben Johnson

In Detroit, Johnson did wonders with his WR2, Jameson Williams. Last season, the third-year man topped 1,000 yards and found paydirt on seven occasions—all while playing next to target hog Amon-Ra St. Brown.

CON: Injury Concerns

Higgins has yet to play a full NFL season due to a variety of unrelated ouchies (hamstring, quad, ankle, etc.). If he’s on the field, that $112 million investment will seem like a good one. If he’s in the trainer’s room, well, there went your salary cap.

"Eff it, Tee's up there" - @teehiggins5 breaks down some of his top plays@surface | Full video: https://t.co/cO3lQSmoFj pic.twitter.com/BdIlI7nOjp
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) December 23, 2024

Bringing Higgins to Halas Hall would be a huge swing for Poles. But if you have Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson in the house, you swing early, and you swing often.