Should The Tee Higgins Concern Be Growing?
Mandatory Credit: Kareem Elgazzar-USA TODAY NETWORK
The biggest story surrounding the Cincinnati Bengals this offseason outside of Joe Burrow’s recovery from a torn wrist ligament is Tee Higgins and whether he will be on the team in 2024. Higgins is the only player across the NFL who hasn’t signed his franchise tag, and it’s unclear at this point if he will.
Because he hasn’t signed the franchise tag, he isn’t eligible to attend OTAs, and he won’t be able to until he signs the contract extension. Even if he did sign the franchise tag, the Bengals and Higgins would have until July 15th to try and sign a long-term deal. The fact that Higgins hasn’t even signed the franchise tag is a concern about his future with the Bengals and a major worry about his short-term future in the AFC North.
A lot of times when thinking about the Bengals, Ja’Marr Chase, and Burrow come to mind first, but Higgins is also a star and would be the top wideout on many teams. In 2021 and 2022, Higgins went over 1,000 yards receiving. In 2023, Higgins played in only 12 games, but he still hauled in 42 catches for 656 yards and five touchdowns.
Higgins does get more opportunities because he lines up opposite Chase. The same can be said about Chase, though; teams aren’t able to throw as many double teams on the former LSU standout because Higgins is lined up opposite.
The former Clemson standout has already requested a trade but also has made it clear that he believes he will be playing in Orange and Black in 2024.
“We’ll see. I do anticipate (playing for the Bengals in 2024),” Higgins said, via Fox19. “I’ve grown a love for Cincy that I didn’t think I would. Looking forward to it.”
Even after the trade request, the Bengals made it clear that they want to keep Higgins, but only mentioned for 2024, not long term.
“It’s really simple: He’s a good player, we want to keep him, and we have resources to do that, so we decided early to do it,” Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin said at the time. “And that’s where we are. We like Tee. We’re a better team with Tee. With the way we managed our cap, we had the ability to put the franchise tag on him, and we did.”
It’s a lot easier for the Bengals to give Higgins money for one year rather than locking him up long-term. The Bengals signed Joe Burrow to a five-year contract for $275 million last September. The Bengals also need to lock up Chase long-term deal, and that price continues to go up. The Bengals need to ensure they have enough money left over for Chase and the rest of the team, before offering money to Higgins.
If Higgins does end up signing the franchise tag, it’s hard at this point to imagine a long-term deal will get done, especially if both sides aren’t currently negotiating one. Without a long-term contract heading into the 2024 season, it will be a distraction all season. There is still a trade deadline in the NFL, and even though it might be unlikely, could the Bengals trade him away during the regular season? Even if that’s not something the Bengals are interested in doing, there is still a media that loves to stir up the rumors.
The Bengals are a better team with Higgins, but it seems unlikely that he will be in Cincinnati after this upcoming season. The Bengals are really in a no-win situation right now with Higgins. The Bengals need him on the team in 2024 for his production as they try to win the Super Bowl. On the other hand, they don’t need distractions. The best case scenario if a multi-year deal can’t get done Higgins plays at a Pro Bowl level, and that’s all he does: play.
It would also help if other wide receivers on the team, like Andrei Iosivas, weren’t openly talking about filling in for Higgins after he is gone.
“I’m hoping I can get the confidence from the coaches,” Bengals wideout Andrei Iosivas said, per ESPN. “I’m not sure if they can pay Tee. He’ll probably get a lot of money. He’s a really good receiver. Hopefully I can step into that role.”
Everything could end up working out for both sides, but Bengals fans have to be very concerned about how this offseason has gone so far with Higgins. Hopefully it’s just not the distraction that ends up getting in between the Bengals and raising the Lombardi Trophy.
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