When Joe Burrow has Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins by his side, he is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. What happens to the Cincinnati Bengals’ explosive scoring attack when one player is removed? Depending on what happens with Higgins in free agency this offseason, we could be on the verge of making that discovery.
Higgins has two 1,000-yard seasons since being drafted in the second round by the Bengals in 2020, and while he is no longer considered the best receiver on his squad, he is an incredibly valuable member of the team. However, several other teams may benefit from having a playmaking 6-foot-4 wideout like Higgins on their roster.
Cincinnati Bengals may not have enough budget flexibility to re-sign Tee Higgins.
Tee Higgins has been the target of trade rumors since last season, as he does not have a long-term deal. However, the Cincinnati Bengals have long stated that he is not available.
With Higgins hitting free agency, the Bengals no longer have control over his destiny, and as one might think, multiple teams will be interested in signing the 25-year-old.
Not to add, the Bengals will prioritize completing Ja’Marr Chase’s contract extension, as he will be eligible to sign a long-term deal for the first time since being taken fifth overall in 2021.
When Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin spoke to the media at the Senior Bowl on Tuesday, he addressed various concerns about Cincinnati’s offseason strategy and how they planned to spend their cap space. Tobin agreed that a team can only afford so many outstanding players at a time.
We enjoy Ja’Marr. He is in our long-term plans. He’s a top-tier player in this league. We want to keep those types of players on our team. I want Tee Higgins back. Everyone on our squad wants Tee Higgins back. There is a pie, and we can and cannot do certain things because of it. “We’ll see.”
As Tobin noted, that pie is only so big, and while the Bengals would love to keep every exceptional guy they come across, that isn’t always feasible. A lot will likely rely on how much other clubs are prepared to pay Higgins, as well as how Chase’s contract extension is structured, but there may be a way for everyone to be pleased in Cincinnati. Alternatively, Higgins may find a new team and become one of the NFL’s highest-paid receivers.
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