The Cincinnati Bengals have had one of the best, if not the best, WR2 in Tee Higgins across the NFL since Ja’Marr Chase was drafted back in 2021.
Higgins has been regarded as a WR1 and WR1b on the Bengals for years, especially during his contract extension disputes, and has produced impressive numbers despite multiple injuries.
However, heading into 2026, Sports Illustrated has a new name on top of the best WR2 list
, and Higgins enters at number 2.“The perfect complement to Ja’Marr Chase, Higgins
and Chase have formed the most consistent and highest-paid receiving duo in the league over the past five years. Since joining the Bengals as a second-round pick in 2020, Higgins has recorded two 1,000-yard receiving seasons and two double-digit receiving touchdown seasons. Had Higgins not missed multiple games due to injury in each of the past three seasons, he’d likely have even more 1,000-yard campaigns on his résumé,” SI wrote.
“With Higgins and Chase out wide, the Bengals hold one of the best passing attacks in the NFL—especially when Joe Burrow is healthy—and Higgins is a pivotal part of that success as he hauls in contested catches and touchdowns. After all, there’s a reason Burrow vouched so heavily for both Higgins and Chase to get paid,“ SI continued.
Higgins has officially been surpassed by Dallas Cowboys wideout George Pickens, who plays alongside their WR1 Ceedee Lamb.
Sports Illustrated wrote that the Cowboys have two true WR1’s and Pickens could have an even bigger year in 2026 as he looks to solidify a contract extension in Dallas.
No matter what, Higgins is one of the best wideouts in the league and is the perfect complement to Chase when healthy.
If Higgins can put together a complete season in 2026, the numbers will show why I believe he is the best of the best.
