Tee Higgins is putting together the strongest season of his career, with quarterback Joe Burrow's confidence helping him deliver for the Cincinnati Bengals. Through seven weeks, the seventh-year receiver ranks fourth in the NFL with 95.2 receiving yards per game as Cincinnati prepares to face the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.
The production has underscored Cincinnati's investment in Higgins and fellow receiver Ja'Marr Chase, whose contract extensions totaled $276 million. Committing that much money to two players at the same position initially looked like a luxury, but their performances over the past two seasons have demonstrated their value. Chase has earned two All-Pro selections and is nearing the distinction of being the franchise's most decorated receiver, while Higgins is on course for a career-best season.
Burrow has made clear that both receivers remain central to the offense. Although getting the ball to Chase is a priority, Higgins' current form gives the quarterback plenty of reason to look his way. "We're going to keep feeding him," Burrow said.
Higgins has been particularly effective when defenders leave little room for a completion. According to Next Gen Stats, he leads the league with 7.1 expected points added on catches where separation is less than a yard when the ball arrives. On nine targets in those tight windows, he has made six catches for 99 yards and a touchdown, with no interceptions. Offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher said Higgins gives Burrow confidence that he will either secure the pass or protect the ball.
That connection was evident on a 19-yard completion during Cincinnati's victory over Baltimore last Sunday. Higgins was still several yards behind Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey when Burrow began his throwing motion. The quarterback nevertheless sent the pass into open space in the middle of the field, relying on Higgins to recognize the opportunity. "If it was somebody else, maybe I don't make that throw," Burrow said.
Cincinnati has valued Higgins' combination of size and ability to win outside since selecting him in the second round of the 2020 draft. At 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, he offers a profile the team pursued again this year by drafting Colbie Young in the fourth round. Young, who is 6-foot-3 and 218 pounds, has drawn a comparison from Burrow to Higgins' style of receiver.
Young's interest in Higgins began while he was attending high school in Binghamton, New York. After visiting a Clemson camp before Higgins' final college season, he began studying the receiver's film. Now his teammate, Young has watched Higgins and Chase prepare through voluntary workouts and summer training together in Miami. He credits that offseason work for their performances.
Higgins has remained restrained when discussing his own success, a characteristic that has helped him fit alongside Chase. After the Baltimore victory, his focus stayed on the result. "Whether the ball was coming my way or not, I'm just happy we got the win," he said.
