Key Takeaways
– Bengals’ wide receiver Tee Higgins has not signed his franchise tender, theoretically making him ineligible for the upcoming OTAs.
– Cincinnati has been making preparations for a scenario without Higgins, as they recently drafted Alabama wide receiver Jermaine Burton.
– Higgins has requested a 3-year, $70 million contract extension, similar to Colts’ Michael Pittman’s recent deal.
– This offseason has seen other Bengals’ players, such as All-Pro defensive end Trey Hendrickson, requesting trades.
The Cincinnati Bengals Could Face Season without Tee Higgins
The Cincinnati Bengals face a possible future without one of their key players, wide receiver Tee Higgins, according to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Higgins’ refusal to sign the franchise tender due to an ongoing contract dispute might see him sit out of the team’s Organized Team Activities (OTAs).
Contract Dispute and Higgins’ Trade Requests
Higgins, who was placed under the franchise tag by the Bengals on February 26, is reportedly asking for a contract extension. Despite the franchise tag securing him a substantial $21.8 million payout in 2024, he has made multiple trade requests after the Bengals declined to meet his extension demands.
What Higgins Wants: A $70 Million Contract
As per a report from The Cincinnati Enquirer, Higgins seeks a 3-year contract extension akin to the extremely lucrative 3-year, $71.5 million deal secured by Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman earlier this year. Pittman’s contract included a whopping $46 million in guaranteed money.
Comparison to Michael Pittman’s Contract
Higgins’ demands for a deal similar to Pittman’s likely stem from their similar receiving stats in the last couple of years. Higgins, who was selected by the Bengals in the 2020 draft, has earned his stripes with two consecutive seasons of over 1,000 receiving yards in 2021 and 2022 after an impressive rookie debut.
Despite a dip in performance in 2023, where he recorded career lows in receptions (42), receiving yards (656), touchdowns (5), and missed six games due to injuries, Higgins’ potential remains undeniable. Contrastingly, Pittman’s 2023 season saw him make 109 receptions for 1,152 yards and 4 touchdowns, arguably justifying his subsequent contract extension.
Bengals Prepare for Life After Higgins
The Cincinnati team’s management appears to be prepping for the short-term absence or potential long-term exit of Higgins. Signifying potential cracks in their offensive line-up, they selected Alabama wide receiver Jermaine Burton in the third round of the 2024 NFL draft.
Higgins Not Alone Among Dissatisfied Bengals
The Bengals have been confronted by trade demands before this Higgins’ episode. All-Pro defensive end Trey Hendrickson displayed a similar desire following the lack of a contract extension offer. However, unlike Higgins, Hendrickson has already returned to the team.
Cincinnati Coach Optimistic Amid Dilemma
Despite the uncertainty, Bengals’ head coach Zac Taylor remains optimistic about Higgins’s contribution in the future. He told Pro Football Network’s Jay Morrison, “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 ongoing saga will undoubtedly leave the Bengals’ fans anxious. Whether Higgins will give in and sign the franchise tender or continue to hold out for his request remains to be seen.