The Cincinnati Bengals won’t trade wide receiver Tee Higgins, but one NFL analyst has suggested trade speculation and teams actually calling the Bengals about his availability won’t stop until an extension happens.
The33rdTeam’s Ari Meirov recently noted that given the circumstances, speculation from outsiders would keep happening until something gets done between the Bengals and Higgins.
What’s notable about the situation is that the Bengals won’t have to feel a real sense of urgency with Higgins. Yes, Joe Burrow is also eligible for an extension this offseason and Ja’Marr Chase will be next offseason.
But chatter around Higgins’ future tends to ignore the fact he’s under contract for one more season. Then, in a worst-case scenario situation, the Bengals could apply a franchise tag, keeping him for at least two more seasons.
That’s similar to what happened with Jessie Bates — and Higgins shares the same representation, reps that admittedly the Bengals haven’t done well with in the past.
But for now, the Bengals can ignore the outside noise and politely tell calling teams no thanks. Trading away a borderline No. 1 wideout at this point in the championship window would be self-sabotage, as there’s a close-to-zero chance another rookie can come in and produce in the same manner.
Higgins himself has said he wants to spend his career with the Bengals, Burrow and Chase. That’s likely what the Bengals have been planning for too, especially with Chase suggesting Burrow will take a friendly deal that helps the team keep weapons around him.
But until ink hits paper, Bengals fans will have to deal with silly trade ideas like a recent one that has them shipping Higgins to the Detroit Lions.
#Bengals fans don't want to hear it but WR Tee Higgins will be brought up in trade speculation this offseason.
Until an extension is in place, the chatter won't stop — and the calls will come in.@The33rdTeamFBpic.twitter.com/FMo1O01tMA
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 24, 2023
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