The Cincinnati Bengals made waves by locking in their dependable receivers, Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase, with massive new contracts.
Higgins signed a four-year, $115 million deal, while Chase became the NFL’s highest-paid non-quarterback with a $161 million extension. While many assumed the team would let Higgins walk in free agency, Cincinnati opted to double down on their offensive firepower.
Not everyone agreed with the decision, however.
On Speak, Fox Sports analyst Joy Taylor questioned whether retaining both receivers was the smartest move. She pointed out that the Bengals’ defense struggled in 2024 and wondered how they would address those weaknesses while committing so much money to their offense.
Lady Stewart Fires Back
Tee Higgins’ mother, Lady Stewart, was not having it. She responded to Taylor’s comments on social media with a pointed reference from The Color Purple: “Harpo who dis woman.” The quote, often used to express confusion or disbelief, made it clear she was unimpressed by the criticism.
Harpo who dis woman https://t.co/JvwBlc5vAw
— TEEHIGGINSMOM #5 ✋🏽💫 (@adizlady) March 18, 2025
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NFL stories via Google! Follow Us
Taylor wasn’t the only one weighing in on Cincinnati’s roster decisions. FS1’s Nick Wright also took issue with the Bengals’ approach, arguing that an elite quarterback like Joe Burrow doesn’t need the best receiver duo in the league. He labeled the Bengals’ offensive line as “mediocre” and their defense “awful,” suggesting that prioritizing Higgins over other roster needs was a misstep.
Stewart didn’t hold back. She fired off another blunt response, writing, “Shut up d*ck… Oops I mean Nick.”
Shut up dick, 🫢 opps I mean nick 🤣🤣 https://t.co/WLndSLV62Y
— TEEHIGGINSMOM #5 ✋🏽💫 (@adizlady) March 18, 2025
She later used a middle-finger emoji to respond to critics questioning Higgins’ contract, particularly those pointing out his lack of Pro Bowl or All-Pro selections.
Despite the noise, Tee Higgins kept things positive during Tuesday’s press conference. He gave his mom a heartfelt shoutout, saying, “Ma, I love you. I did this for us. You don’t have to worry about nothing else.”
With the Bengals making a bold bet on their offensive firepower, only time will tell if the decision pays off. But one thing is clear- Lady Stewart isn’t letting anyone disrespect her son without a fight.
