​Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins is often celebrated as the best No. 2 in the NFL, and many view him as a genuine No. 1 who simply shares the same offense with Ja’Marr Chase. For Stefon Diggs, though, that sentiment doesn’t quite fit his own perspective. In a recent YouTube video, Diggs declared that he’s the best No. 2 in the league, challenging the notion that there’s a superior option at the position on any team. “My opinion, I can compete with anybody,” Diggs said. “But take those as your ones (WR1), right? You can’t name a number two better than me. There’s not a number two on a team.”
Diggs’ confidence comes after a season with the New England Patriots where he posted 1,013 receiving yards and four touchdowns over 17 games, a noteworthy achievement given he was 32 years old and returning from a torn ACL. Those numbers still carry weight, and they underscore Diggs’ belief that a top-tier No. 2 can be as valuable as a primary target when deployed effectively.
Higgins, by contrast, sits in a slightly different echelon among No. 2 receivers. Last year, he totaled 846 yards across 15 games while reaching the end zone 11 times. Over the past two seasons combined, Higgins has found the end zone 21 times. He’s under a four-year contract worth $115 million, a deal that reflects both the Bengals’ confidence in him and the high expectations that come with playing alongside a star like Chase. When you consider those numbers and the on-field production, any comparison to Diggs feels a bit uneven, since Higgins has positioned himself as a consistent and red-zone-savvy contributor in a high-powered offense.
Still, the discussion around top No. 2 wideouts has its share of playful bragging rights and offseason fodder. Diggs’ remarks are clearly aimed at staking his claim in the conversation, and the timing isn’t accidental given the ongoing chatter about who truly constitutes the best No. 2 in the league. It’s a debate that Bengals fans will likely enjoy, especially when you factor in Chase’s own perspective about Higgins’ role as a high-level complementary option who often draws attention and resources from defenses due to his own prolific production.
In the broader context, Diggs’ assertion, Higgins’ production, and Chase’s role all feed into a larger narrative about how teams maximize talent outside their primary target. A No. 2 receiver can be a difference-maker, especially when paired with a dynamic playmaker like Chase and a quarterback who can distribute targets effectively. Higgins has shown that he can take advantage of opportunities, score consistently, and offer a reliable red-zone presence, qualities that elevate him beyond a mere secondary option.
The football landscape is full of debates over where No. 2 receivers rank relative to the top targets on their teams, and this year’s conversations are no exception. Diggs’ confidence, Higgins’ steady production, and Chase’s continued impact will all factor into how fans and analysts evaluate the value of a true No. 2. For Bengals supporters, the takeaway might be that Higgins not only holds his own in a league crowded with talented receivers, but also helps define what a top-tier No. 2 can look like when paired with a quarterback who keeps defenses honest and balanced.
This piece originally appeared on Bengals Wire, exploring whether Tee Higgins might push back on Stefon Diggs’ comments and how that exchange fits into the larger discussion about elite No. 2 receivers in today’s NFL.