Key Takeaways:
– Tee Higgins, veteran wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals, has requested multiple trades after receiving the franchise tag for 2024.
– Amidst a disappointing 2023 season, Higgins now seeks to chart a fresh path with a new team.
– ESPN’s Matt Bowen suggests the Los Angeles Chargers as the ideal trade destination for Higgins.
– The Chargers are currently in need of a strong WR1, a role that Higgins could fulfill.
Challenging Season for Bengals and Tee Higgins
The Cincinnati Bengals’ roller coaster 2023 season ended with the injury of franchise quarterback Joe Burrow, missing playoffs, and stirred waters in the offseason. Amid the turmoil was wide receiver Tee Higgins, who, taxed by a career-low season and health issues, requested several trades after franchise-tagged for the 2024 season. He found his name listed among best NFL teams fits for remaining free agents and trade candidates by ESPN’s Matt Bowen. Bowen also suggested the championship-craving Los Angeles Chargers as the perfect landing place for Higgins.
Higgins’ Dwindling 2023 Season Performance
The 2023 season wasn’t the best for Higgins. His production numbers plunged to career lows with 42 receptions, 656 receiving yards, and 5 touchdowns. His participation was also hampered by rib and hamstring injuries, sidelining him for six games. The Cincinnati Enquirer reports that despite the underwhelming season, Higgins eyes a 3-year $70 million contract extension, similar to the Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman’s contract signed in February 2024.
Despite the hard season, Bengal’s head coach Zac Taylor expressed optimism and expectation. Taylor told Pro Football Network’s Jay Morrison, “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 and expect this year to be no different.”
The Chargers: A Potential Haven for Tee Higgins?
While stress lines have been drawn at Bengals, Tee Higgins could find solace in joining the Los Angeles Chargers, a team desperate for a top-notch wide receiver. The Chargers have young talent Justin Herbert, signed for a 5-year $262.5 million contract extension, but are yet to find a star wide receiver. Their best shot, a 2023 first-round pick Quentin Johnston’s performance, was underwhelming, pushing them to draft Georgia wide receiver Ladd McConkey this year.
Bowen opines that Higgins might be the key to revamping the Chargers’ offensive game. He believes Higgins’ inclusion could provide a significant boost to the Chargers’ offense and give them a refined three-level target. Bowen’s viable suggestion has stirred considerable interest in the NFL circuit, generating anticipation as to how the events will unfold in the 2024 season.
The Bengals have a challenging season ahead to reconcile with their go-to wide receiver, or lose him to a potential AFC rival, affecting their journey towards a Super Bowl dream.