The Cincinnati Bengals prevented wide receiver Tee Higgins from entering NFL free agency by using the franchise tag on him. Days later, the star wideout demanded a trade eyeing an opportunity with another team even if it meant leaving a Super Bowl contender.
However, there were reportedly no inquiries from around the league into Higgins in the days following his trade request. While he is viewed as one of the 20 best wide receivers in the NFL, teams seemed to be skeptical that Cincinnati would move a critical part of its offense.
$21.816 million salary in 2024
On March 24, though, it was reported that NFL teams were beginning to think Cincinnati might now be more receptive to trade offers. However, those hopes might’ve been squashed at the recent NFL Owners Meetings this past week in Orlando.
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Speaking to reporters, Bengals’ coach Zac Taylor expressed excitement about what Higgins will do for the offense in 2024 and offered no indication that the team is open to moving him.
“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.”
Will the Bengals keep Tee Higgins?
Taylor wasn’t the only member of the Bengals’ organization squashing NFL trade rumors involving Higgins. Cincinnati’s executive vice president Katie Blackburn indicated the organization fully intends to have Higgins on the field for the entirety of the 2024 season.
“The plan is to certainly get through this year. Our job is to get to these next phases, start looking at the whole overall roster and see how we can fit everything together. We’ll see how it all comes out.”
Cincinnati Bengals EVP Katie Blackburn on Tee Higgins’ future with the team (H/T Kelsey Conway)
Higgins has both publicly and privately expressed a desire to remain in Cincinnati, but the Bengals’ organization reportedly hasn’t approached his representatives about a contract extension. Seeking to become one of the highest-paid NFL players, Higgins requested a trade to land with a team that would pay him.
In all likelihood, Higgins will spend the 2024 season as the Bengals’ No. 2 receiver opposite of Ja’Marr Chase. After that, regardless of how he performs this fall, then Cincinnati would likely allow him to become a free agent in 2025 and leave for another opportunity.
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