A Chase extension could indeed be friendly in Year 1, depending on the structure. That could, in turn, give the Bengals wiggle room to frontload another deal and/or pay out big for Higgins and/or Hendrickson, if not both, offsetting the big spike on Chase’s cap hits after 2025.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins is set to become a free agent this offseason. Barring the Bengals placing the franchise tag on him again, Higgins will have the chance to join another team come March.

The Patriots have been connected to Higgins for quite a while now. There was speculation last year that he could go to New England for a high second-round draft pick. New England has needed a No. 1 wide receiver for quite some time now, and Higgins would certainly fit the bill.