The Cincinnati Bengals are clearly in an uncomfortable position with their star wide receiver Tee Higgins amidst his ongoing contract negotiations. Higgins has reacted strongly to the news that Cincinnati expects him to play out this season on the dreaded franchise tag. Based on communications expressed by Higgins to the press, his frustration is rooted in the team’s disinterest in signing him to a long term deal. That being said, he still likely has what is best for the team near to his heart this offseason.
Cincinnati Bengals Play Harsh Joke on Rivals During the Offseason
Since the team is avoiding giving their talented pass catcher an expensive contract extension, they appear to be taking phone calls from just about anyone trying to push a deal through by the July 15 deadline. Well, I should amend that statement: almost anyone.
On Monday evening, NFL Insider Jake Eckberg posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) that Cincinnati had received a call from the least likely of places to talk trade negotiations for Higgins. The full tweet is listed below:
Ravens made a call to the Bengals regarding trade talks around wideout Tee Higgins
Here’s the kicker — before the Ravens could even start the conversation, the Bengals hung up the phone on them
Ravens were ready to give up a 2nd for Tee, Bengals didn’t even want to listen pic.twitter.com/k2fbKi8pmZ
— Jake Eckberg (@JakeEckbergNFL) March 18, 2024
If true, that means that Cincinnati made the conscious decision that they had no interest in bolstering the ranks of the competition. Even as their offensive line appears to be crumbling before our very eyes, the biggest weakness of the Baltimore Ravens is that they have few if any suitable wide receivers. Promising youngster Zay Flowers managed to make a solid impact last season but especially after the release of Odell Beckham Jr., this team desperately needs pass catchers.
Cincinnati on the other hand has plenty even after the free agency loss of talented slot receiver Tyler Boyd. Pro Bowler and arguably the best wideout in the league Ja’Marr Chase is still under contract for at least another year even without his fifth-year option as a first-round pick. That should provide Cincinnati with major incentive to get a deal done and while they have been sinking in their efforts of trying to lock in at least a second-round pick in return for Higgins, they simply aren’t willing to work with Baltimore.
To be fair, it appears that Cincinnati may have even behaved a little childishly given the circumstances. While there is a bitter rivalry among the players, the front offices should behave somewhat harmoniously. After his recent antics including an Instagram post highlighting his ill feelings toward the team, Higgins value seems to be dropping and this very well could be the best offer Cincinnati gets all offseason for the lanky target man.
Unfortunately, it does look like Higgins won’t last much longer in the Queen City as Cincinnati desperately looks for a viable trade partner. Unfortunately for Baltimore, it does look like “desperately” is more of a general description rather than a literal one.
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