It’s Time For the Bengals to Unlock the Cheap Talent Pipeline
Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins made it clear heading into the postseason that he would like a new contract or to be traded. It’s now been a few months since Higgins’ comments, and it’s clear that a long-term contract isn’t in the plans. So why wait? Cincinnati is best served trading him sooner rather than later.
The Bengals put the franchise tag on Higgins, but the former Clemson star has refused to sign it, which means he’s technically not under contract with the Bengals. The Bengals still have control over his rights, though, which has created the current standoff. It’s unclear at this point if Higgins will ever sign the franchise tag, but until something changes with the contract situation, it will be a major distraction for a team that dreams of winning a Super Bowl.
Bengals coach Zac Taylor has made it clear a few times that he believes Higgins will be on the roster in 2024. “We’re excited for Tee to have a great year for us,” he told reporters. “We think he’s our best chance to help us win a Super Bowl. I’ve enjoyed working with Tee the last four years. I expect this year to be no different.”
True, even if Taylor doesn’t 100% believe Higgins will eventually join the team, it makes sense for him to make those comments. If the Bengals are going to try and trade Higgins, there is no reason for Taylor to burn that bridge just in case a trade doesn’t come to fruition. The Bengals also might lose a little bit of leverage if other teams know that their first goal is to trade Higgins instead of sticking with him for 2024.
But Higgins has lost a bit of leverage of his own. Prior to the draft, Higgins had more value on the Bengals, as there was no one in line to replace him as a bona fide No. 2 receiver option. But with the team selecting Jermaine Burton 80th overall in April, they have someone who can fill in at least some of his production instantly.
Burton had some character issues in college that caused him to fall down teams’ draft boards, but no one has questioned his talent on the field. Last season for the Alabama, Burton was a matchup nightmare all over the field, ending the season with 39 passes for 798 yards and eight touchdowns.
Higgins’ shoes are going to be a tough task for any rookie to fill, as he’s had at least 1,000 receiving yards each of the last two seasons. Still, a healthy Joe Burrow could help Burton could get close to that production. When Ja’Marr Chase is lined up opposite of you, you’re probably going to get open quite a bit.
Chase is also seeking a long-term contract, which adds pressure to the Bengals’ situation with Higgins before the 2024 season starts. Chase is expected to get a contract close to the $140 million Justin Jefferson signed his extension for, and with Burrow also locked up long-term, there isn’t money to continue to put toward Higgins.
Chase was also at the mandatory minicamp, while Higgins was absent. Even though Chase wants the deal, he is trying to not be a distraction for the team, meanwhile, Higgins has been the talking point all offseason. The Bengals need to focus on the players who want to be on the team in 2024, not worried about getting a long-term deal done with someone who’s seemingly ready to split.
Even if Higgins does sign the franchise tag for 2024, the chances of a long-term deal getting done is slim-to-none, which means Higgins will walk after the season. It’s really unclear what type of return the Bengals can get if they trade away Higgins, but they at least could get some draft capital to help this team going forward.
With Higgins potentially out and Burrow and Chase taking up a large portion of the salary cap, it’s more crucial than ever that the Bengals get an influx of impact players on cheap rookie deals. Having more draft capital gives the Bengals even more chances to hit on stars in the draft to help the team in the long term.
Winning the Super Bowl is the goal this upcoming season, but this is a team that needs to be built for long-term success. Trading away Higgins might take away a little production for the 2024 season, but looking back at this situation a decade from now, it will prove to be the right move.
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