The Cincinnati Bengals have some work to do this offseason after missing the playoffs and the trio of wide receivers are going to need to be paid soon. However, one domino seemingly is falling as Tee Higgins reportedly has requested for a trade. Adam Schefter is reporting that there has not been any talks regarding a long-term contract extension since March 2023 and wanted to stay in Cincinnati.
The Cincinnati Bengals did apply the franchise tag for $21.816 million and the second-round pick is going to explore his options of getting a long-term extension somewhere else. Higgins was hampered by injuries and only appeared in 12 games but finished with 42 catches on 76 targets for 656 yards (15.6 yards per reception) with five touchdown catches. In 2021 and 2022, he recorded 74 catches each for more than 1,000 yards and 6+ touchdowns.
It will be interesting to see what teams are going to be interested in Tee Higgins and what the Cincinnati Bengals want as compensation. It is possible that the Bengals do not like any trade offers and keep him for the 2024 season before he becomes an unrestricted free agent as well. With the Kansas City Chiefs having a similar issue with cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, Super Bowl-caliber teams are having to make tough decisions with their roster.
Should the Cincinnati Bengals trade Tee Higgins?
The Cincinnati Bengals are in a tough position as it seems like the front office understands they have to make some tough decisions going forward. With Tyler Boyd an unrestricted free agent and Ja’Marr Chase’s contract extension happening in the next few years, there is not much room for Tee Higgins. Would the love to keep Higgins, yes. The issue is the salary cap that is going to be given to this wide receiver group.
The Bengals have some questions they need to answer and with quarterback Joe Burrow in his second year of the contract extension, they need all the firepower they can receive. Expect Higgins to want a trade but unless a massive haul of draft picks come back, he will likely remain a member of the Cincinnati Bengals throughout the 2024 season.
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