Out Of Pressure Zac Taylor Confirms Tee Higgins Is Going As Frustrated Higgins Announces…
Tee Higgins trade talk isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Originally set to hit free agency following the 2023 season, the Bengals used the franchise tag to keep him from reaching the open market.
In theory, this tool is supposed to be used to extend negotiating windows for players and teams struggling to agree to long-term deals.
Unfortunately, that hasn’t happened in Cincinnati. Earlier reports indicate that the Bengals have not attempted to extend Tee Higgins, and the wide receiver has formally requested a trade.
While Higgins is a great player, the Bengals need to set some money aside for Ja’Marr Chase’s inevitable extension, as well as Joe Burrow lol o look’s escalating cap hit. In the salary cap era, teams need to let good players go, and it appears that Higgins will have to get his long-term deal from a different organization.
While the wideout’s long-term future might be elsewhere, head coach Zac Taylor made it sound like the Bengals do not plan to trade Tee Higgins in the coming months. Speaking to reporters, Taylor made it clear that he wants the former second-round pick to help this team win a championship in 2024.
We’re excited for Tee to have a great year for us. 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.”
Taylor says he wants Tee Higgins to stick around, but he could be trying to drive up his trade price. Reliable wide receivers are hard to find, although the 2024 NFL Draft class is loaded with talent at the position.
Right now, most believe the Bengals could get a Day 2 pick for Higgins’ services, and Taylor could be trying to start a bidding war.
Even if Taylor’s comments are genuine, Tee Higgins can try to force a trade. The wide receiver has yet to sign the franchise tag, meaning he is technically not under contract and has no obligation to play in 2024. If Higgins holds out through the offseason, Cincinnati might have to sell him to the highest bidder.
One way or another, there is a real chance that the Bengals trade Tee Higgins at some point before the NFL Draft. If that happens, the following teams should be more than willing to give up a pick for a proven outside weapon.