Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins has reportedly requested a trade, citing a lack of progress regarding a long-term contract extension.
The Bengals placed the franchise tag on Higgins ahead of free agency, with both sides hoping to find common ground on an extension – but it’s gotten to the point where he wants out.
Bengals franchise WR Tee Higgins has requested a trade, per sources. Higgins loves Cincinnati and hoped to be with the team long term, but is disappointed that the team has not had any talks about a long-term contract extension since March 2023. He’s ready to move on to a new… pic.twitter.com/T0qy7uMu8n
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2024
The 25-year-old wideout, who was selected near the top of the second round in the same draft that brought franchise quarterback Joe Burrow to Cincinnati, has been a pivotal part of the Bengals offense since his rookie season.
Initially serving as Burrow’s primary target and later transitioning to a supporting role behind standout receiver Ja’Marr Chase, Higgins has amassed impressive statistics, including 257 receptions for 3,684 yards and 24 touchdowns over four NFL seasons.
Don’t let Andy Reid get a hold of him. Plssss
— Rare GOAT (@RareGoatee) March 11, 2024
Higgins showcased his potential as a top-tier receiver during the 2021 and 2022 seasons, recording over 1,000 receiving yards in each along with a combined 13 touchdowns.
However, a challenging 2023 season marked by injuries and decreased efficiency led to uncertainty surrounding his future with the Bengals.
Despite being tagged with a one-year deal worth $21.8 million, Higgins is reportedly seeking stability and long-term security in the form of a lucrative contract extension.
With his prime years still ahead of him, Higgins is poised to attract interest from numerous teams in need of wide receiver talent.
Tee Higgins requesting a trade ain't a big shock— that's the biz
a month ago he told me some QB’s he'd like to team up with if hes not a Bengal pic.twitter.com/riomtiUyKT
— Lawrence Jackson Jr. 🃏 (@LordDontLose) March 11, 2024
While the Bengals are not obligated to honor Higgins’ trade request, similar situations often result in player departures.
If a trade materializes, Higgins could command a substantial long-term contract, potentially influencing negotiations for other top receivers, including Ja’Marr Chase and CeeDee Lamb.
.@heykayadams take on the VERY recent news of Tee Higgins wanting out of Cincinnati 🗣️
"Communication is EVERYTHING 🤌…" pic.twitter.com/YgAUbHzeGg
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) March 11, 2024
As far are where Higgins could possible land – Here are five teams who are expected to be interested…
-Tennessee Titans
Higgins has had a ton of success with (former) Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan, who is now the new head coach in Tennessee after replacing the highly-respected Mike Vrabel. DeAndre Hopkins is a great start, but new quarterback Will Levis is going to need all the weapons he can get. Higgins would help fit the bill.
-Jacksonville Jaguars
Much like the Los Angeles Chargers, the Jacksonville Jaguars are a team that should be much farther along than they are. Could reuniting Higgins with his old college quarterback, Trevor Lawrence, help spark the Jags?
Trevor Lawrence to Tee Higgins will put up some pretty crazy numbers #NFLFreeAgency pic.twitter.com/2Y6H8bggyd
— Snoog’s Dynasty Society (@FFSnoog) March 11, 2024
-New England Patriots
With head coach Bill Belichick long-gone, it’s a brand-new era in New England. Now that Mac Jones is gone, what are they going to do with their quarterback situation? They are expected to draft a (hopeful) franchise QB with the third overall pick and build new under head coach Jerod Mayo. Needless to say, the Pats need all the help they can get on offense.
-Washington Commanders
The Commanders will most likely have a brand-new quarterback next season. Whether that’s Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, Justin Fields or maybe a reunion with Kirk Cousins (?!?) remains to be seen. Dan Quinn and Washington’s new ownership want to shed the Dan Snyder stink that’s been hovering over the franchise for years. Higgins would help do that.
-Carolina Panthers
The Panthers are the worst team in the NFL. Having said that, they must find out for certain what they have in quarterback Bryce Young, especially since they gave up so much to get him. Higgins would be a great addition and an instant go-to target for the young (and overwhelmed) QB.
Other teams to keep your eye on include the Chicago Bears, New York Giants and the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.
Tee Higgins in a Bears uniform.. 👀 pic.twitter.com/famJOo0Sdk
— BFR Podcast (@bfr_pod) March 11, 2024
First of all, do you think the Bengals will actually trade Higgins?
Again, they are under absolutely no obligation to do so. And Higgins requesting a trade could just be a leverage play.
Regardless, the possibility certainly exists.
What do you think will end up happening???