Many Cincinnati Bengals fans likely let out a sigh of relief when it was announced that the team had placed the franchise tag on star wide receiver Tee Higgins. It provided some optimism that Higgins would remain with the franchise not only in 2024 as he was set to hit free agency in 2024.
For a while, the Bengals were steadfast in their comments saying Higgins would be going nowhere. But, they wavered a little bit during the 2024 NFL Combine, as keeping him long-term may not be fiscally responsible or possible.
With an extension for quarterback Joe Burrow being worked out last season and one for fellow star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase coming soon, Higgins always looked to be the odd man out. It turns out, he and his representation felt that way, too.
As shared by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Higgins has requested a trade from the Bengals. Rapoport is building on the report that came from ESPN’s Adam Schefter. According to their report, no long-term talks were had between the team and Higgins before the franchise tag was placed on him, which has led to the trade request.
NFL News & Rumors: Tee Higgins, NFL Rumors, Cincinnati Bengals Updates
A tag and trade is certainly not unheard of in the NFL. Two offseasons ago, it was how Davante Adams landed with the Las Vegas Raiders in a trade from the Green Bay Packers. Las Vegas traded first and second-round picks in the 2022 NFL Draft to Green Bay and it would be fair to assume Higgins would cost at least that much in a trade.
While Higgins isn’t in the argument for best wide receiver in the NFL as Adams was, he has the ability to be a true No. 1 receiver in the NFL. He hasn’t had to be in the position often with the Bengals given the presence of Chase, but whenever Higgins has been called upon to fill that role, he has done it well.
The 2023 season was a tough one for Higgins, as he caught only 42 passes for 656 yards and five touchdowns. Injuries led to an inconsistent campaign, as he played in only 12 games, but he still managed to average a career-high 15.6 yards per reception.
The Bengals and Higgins parting ways was something that seemed inevitable given the other contract commitments the team already had. They had hoped it wouldn’t be this offseason, but a parting of the ways seems like it will come sooner than later.
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