Tag: Tee Higgins

NFL insider changes mind on Bengals keeping Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins

The idea of Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins Both getting Bengals extensions keeps getting more popular.

The perception of what will happen with the Cincinnati Bengals and star wideouts Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins has taken a dramatic shift in recent weeks.

It’s not just fans or even players who are interviewed, either.

Take, for example, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer. Asked about whether the Bengals can sign both Chase and Higgins, the expert admitted that he’s sensing a shift:

Kent, a month ago, I’d have said this was hard but easy. You don’t want to let either guy go, but there are financial realities that come with running a football team, and the choice between Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins is academic (good as Higgins is, Chase is different).

Now? After how Joe Burrow and his top two receivers have played over the past month, I’m moving to the do-whatever-it-takes-to-keep-both camp. The three are playing too well together not to at least take a swing at what could cost, between the three of them, around $120 million per year. Next year would be a number a little less than 45% of projections for next year’s cap (obviously, those numbers can be massaged).

Breer goes on to compare the situation to when the Indianapolis Colts paid up huge for Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne all at once, although this would be even more expensive for the Bengals.

But it’s not hard to see why the conversation has shifted on this topic. Joe Burrow just sent another message to the front office about it while also potentially slipping up and revealing that it’s in the works.

That, after Higgins left his agent and joined the same reps as Chase.

It all still has to come together in the offseason, in one way or another, but the idea of keeping all three together just keeps gaining steam.

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Karl Mecklenburg says Riley Moss was likely chewed out after Bengals game

“I give [Riley] Moss credit for not blaming his play on his injury and admitting that he had a bad day,” Karl Mecklenburg wrote.

The Saturday Broncos-Bengals game was awesome, except for the final score. I usually sit and watch a game, maybe reacting with a “did you see that” comment to Kathi, but not getting emotionally involved. I was jumping out of my chair and cheering on Saturday night.

Having these high-pressure playoff type games is valuable for the Broncos players, coaching staff, and front office. Identifying who will rise to the occasion and who won’t is impossible without these opportunities. Knowing who steps up helps the coaching staff game plan. Identifying who you can count on under pressure helps the general manager decide who to pay, and how to build a roster.

Bo Nix made some big time throws under pressure. Marvin Mimms is a gamer. He’s come up with huge plays two weeks in a row. I thought Zach Allen had tied me for the Broncos all time sacks in a single game record at 4 but they gave him 3 ½. He was bringing it on Saturday. Pat Surtan ll was following JaMar Chase all night and kept the NFL’s leading receiver in check. Tee Higgins, on the other hand, went off.

Riley Moss had just come back from an injured knee and Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins went after him. I give Moss credit for not blaming his play on his injury and admitting that he had a bad day in post-game interviews. That’s hard to do. One of my keys to success is honesty and forgiveness. Moss will watch the film and get chewed out in front of his peers. He’ll see what was going on and set some goals to fix it. That’s how you improve as a football player. Honesty and forgiveness in self-evaluation is key to how anyone can improve.

The Broncos play Kansas City in Denver on Sunday. They had to win one out of 3 games to make the playoffs. The Broncos lost the first two but if they beat the Chiefs, or more likely the Chiefs’ backup players, they’re in. Go Broncos!

Karl Mecklenburg originally shared this post on his social media pages and it was re-shared here with permission. Mecklenburg played for the Denver Broncos from 1983-1994, earning six Pro Bowl nods and five All-Pro selections during his decorated career in the NFL. Mecklenburg is now a motivational keynote speaker. You can book Mecklenburg on his website. 

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Will Tee Higgins play this week? Injury updates for Bengals WR

Bengals WR Tee Higgins is dealing with an ankle injury. Here are the latest updates.

(This story has been updated to add new information)

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins continues to battle through multiple injuries as the team heads into the season finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 18.

Higgins is a key focal point for the Bengals, both because of his possible future with the team that Joe Burrow keeps talking about, and because he plays a central role in the team’s playoff hopes.

Here’s a running list of updates before kickoff.

 

Tee Higgins injury update

  • Higgins finished the week as “questionable” on the final injury report.
  • The Bengals listed Higgins as limited in practice over the first two days of the week, again due to both ankle and knee injuries.

How long will Tee Higgins be out?

  • Last week, Higgins was in “maintenance” mode similar to this, but ended up as “questionable” on the final injury report, only for late reporting to reveal that he would be active. It’s safe to assume he’ll fight through the problems again. Of course, last week, while doing so, he scored three times in a thrilling overtime win.

Bengals depth chart

  • Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Andrei Iosivas, Jermaine Burton, Charlie Jones, Isaiah Williams

If Higgins is limited and/or suffers a setback, Iosvias would see a bigger role, with the rookie Burton a long shot to see a few targets.

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Did Joe Burrow reveal Bengals’ plans with Tee Higgins?

Joe Burrow is usually very careful with what he says, so this Tee Higgins comment seems pretty important.

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow sent a very public, obvious message to the team this week.

Pay great players like Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. That’s it.

In doing so over the course of a lengthy press conference ahead of the season finale, Burrow potentially let slip some info about Higgins’ future with the Bengals.

When asked about the subject of Week 18 perhaps being the last Burrow-Chase-Higgins ride, the star quarterback said this: “It’s obviously a possibility, not one that I’m excited about, but that’s not in the plans, I would say.”

The that’s not in the plans part of the answer is doing some serious heavy lifting.

Maybe that’s reading too much into things, sure. Perhaps Burrow is only referring to Higgins’ desire to stay with the team, which seems obvious after he split with his former agent this month and joined the same reps as Chase.

Still, perhaps Burrow is also talking about his own plans in the form of contract restructuring or whatever else it would take to keep the Big 3 in town.

And perhaps he’s referring to the plans of the team itself, especially in response to his public pressure and how this season played out.

Either way, Burrow is often as surgical at the podium as he is in the pocket, so this little comment stands out in a big way.

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Bengals would be wise to listen to Joe Burrow’s latest message

Joe Burrow just sent another public, pressure-filled message at the Bengals.

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has taken the proverbial gloves off.

Obviously irritated with how this season has played out and capable of seeing much of the blame falls on how the organization does business, Burrow has repeatedly put very public pressure on the Bengals to get things right.

Burrow’s latest message ahead of the season finale couldn’t be any clearer.

“Whenever a great player leaves, you wish you could have found a way to keep them,” Burrow said. “You don’t want to make a living out of letting great players leave the building. I think that’s why you got to do everything you can to get those deals done early.”

By now, fans understand Burrow is extremely calculated. He doesn’t say things at random. This isn’t a warning, but the Bengals should probably take it as one.

The defense has collapsed and played a big part in the Super Bowl window seeming to shut after losing names like Jessie Bates and DJ Reader. The franchise failed to get Ja’Marr Chase’s contract extension done this past offseason, to the point Chase reportedly felt misled.

And then there’s the matter of Tee Higgins.

Higgins was as good as gone after the franchise tag this year —  until Burrow started throwing his weight around in public. He put serious public pressure on the team about it, then Higgins parted ways with his agent, only to turn around and sign with the same reps as Chase.

Before this latest Burrow statement? A report said that Higgins isn’t necessarily looking to be paid as a No. 1 wideout.

The writing is on the wall when it comes to Higgins’ future with the Bengals. All the Bengals have to do is seize the moment.

But the writing couldn’t be more obvious from Burrow, either — get it right, now.

It’s abundantly obvious that Burrow will do whatever it takes on his end to help. Recruiting players, offering input, even restructuring his contract. But it’s on the Bengals to take the necessary, latest modernizing steps to get this right.

Granted, the quarterback shouldn’t have to come in and air this out in public to get the Bengals to modernize. But he does, isn’t shy about doing so and for the segment of fans getting deja vu, well, the Bengals had better listen and make it happen.

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Tee Higgins ranks as the NFL’s top upcoming free agent heading into 2025

A lot of teams are doing to be interested in Higgins.

Tee Higgins is poised to become one of the most sought-after names in the NFL free-agent market this offseason, with numerous outlets unanimously ranking him as the top player available. After a drawn-out contract saga with the Cincinnati Bengals, the Clemson alum has made a convincing case for a massive payday.

Higgins entered Saturday’s game with 58 catches, 727 yards, and seven touchdowns, but his performance against the Denver Broncos was a statement. He delivered a career-best game, racking up 11 receptions for 131 yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winning 3-yard snag in overtime to seal a 30-24 victory. Higgins also came up big earlier in the game with a crucial 31-yard grab during the decisive drive, showcasing his ability to dominate in clutch moments.

Despite battling injuries in recent seasons, Higgins has consistently demonstrated WR1 traits when on the field. Over his first three years in Cincinnati, he averaged over 1,000 receiving yards per season and remains a reliable playmaker in key moments. Sports Illustrated projects Higgins could command an annual salary of at least $25 million, a testament to his elite skill set and value to receiver-needy teams.

The Bengals face significant financial decisions in the coming months. With a second franchise tag for Higgins projected at $26.2 million and a lucrative extension likely for Ja’Marr Chase, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler has indicated there is little chance Higgins remains in Cincinnati beyond 2024. Higgins skipped portions of OTAs this offseason, signaling his desire for a long-term deal elsewhere.

Joining Higgins in the free-agent spotlight is fellow Clemson standout DeAndre Hopkins, who ranks as high as No. 14 on boards from PFF and CBS. Hopkins, now with the Kansas City Chiefs, has proven he can still deliver at a high level after a midseason trade from the Tennessee Titans. As Clemson continues to produce top-tier receivers, Higgins and Hopkins reinforce the program’s reputation as “WRU.”

\With his combination of size, skill, and production, Higgins is primed to reset the market for top receivers, making him one of the most intriguing players to watch in the offseason.

Tee Higgins is playing his best football when it matters most for the Bengals

Higgins performance comes at a perfect time for the Bengal, but also himself.

The Cincinnati Bengals kept their playoff hopes alive with a thrilling 30-24 overtime victory over the Denver Broncos on Saturday, thanks to a massive performance from wide receiver Tee Higgins. It was a game Cincinnati desperately needed, and Higgins delivered when it mattered most, showcasing why he’s worth a long-term investment as he plays out a contract year.

Higgins exploded for 11 catches, 131 yards, and three touchdowns, including the game-winning 3-yard grab with just over a minute left in overtime. The Bengals leaned on him throughout the final drive, as Higgins also made an acrobatic 31-yard catch to set up his walk-off score. His other touchdowns came on a 2-yard snag in the second quarter and a 12-yard catch in the fourth, capping off a career-defining performance.

For Higgins, the night was about more than just team success—it was a reminder of his value as one of the NFL’s top playmakers. Despite battling injuries earlier in his career, Higgins has consistently produced since being drafted 33rd overall by the Bengals in 2020.

Playing under the franchise tag this season, Higgins entered Saturday’s game with 727 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in 10 games. After a performance like this, he’s making a strong case for why Cincinnati—or another team—should pay him like the elite receiver he’s proven to be.

Broncos CB Riley Moss accepts blame: ‘Sometimes you eat a (poop) sandwich’

“Sometimes you eat a (poop) sandwich and you’ve got to own it,” Broncos CB Riley Moss said of his performance against the Bengals.

Denver Broncos cornerback Riley Moss had a night to forget in his first game back from a knee injury against the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday.

Moss was in coverage on Tee Higgins for seven of the receiver’s receptions that went for 101 yards and two touchdowns in a 30-24 loss.

After the game, Moss owned up to his poor performance.

“[S]ometimes you eat a (poop) sandwich and you’ve got to own it,” Moss said. “This isn’t the first time that’s happened in my career, and it’s probably not going to be the last. The great ones are able to come back, be gritty and push through, and that’s what I’m going to do. I know everyone on this team will too.”

Moss said his knee “felt fine,” suggesting that it did not hinder his performance.

“My standard is to make the plays, and I was unable to do that a couple times, and I own up to that,” Moss said. “I take that to the chin, but I’m not going to get discouraged because we’ve got more football to play.”

After the loss, Broncos coach Sean Payton was asked if it seemed like Cincinnati was picking on Moss in coverage.

“Riley could have been healthy for the last eight weeks,” Payton said. “Whoever’s opposite Pat [Surtain], they’re going to go that direction, right? [Number] 5 (Tee Higgins) is good player. A real good player. It wasn’t anything that we didn’t expect. In other words, that happens when you’re teammates with Pat.”

Surtain expects his teammate to bounce back.

“Next play mentality,” the cornerback said. “It’s part of the game. (Defensive back is) a hard position at the end of the day, and sometimes it doesn’t go in your favor. I tell him, ‘Just keep going. Next play, next play.’ I believe in him, we all believe in him. It’s just one game. Next week he’s going to make a play, I’ll tell you all.”

Moss and Co. will look to bounce back when Denver hosts the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 18. The Broncos can clinch a spot in the NFL playoffs with a win (or tie) against the Chiefs.

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Tee Higgins’ contract situation with Bengals just got more interesting

Tee Higgins’ Week 17 showing and a new report paint his future with the Bengals in an interesting light.

By now, it feels like Tee Higgins simply won’t be leaving the Cincinnati Bengals.

Much has gone into this dramatic shift in Higgins’ future outlook with the Bengals over the last few weeks. His dramatic role in the season-saving win over the Denver Broncos in Week 17, highlighted by 11 catches for 131 yards and three scores and the game-winning catch in overtime, only intensified this idea.

A report after the game helped just as much, though.

Said report comes from a note shared by CBS Sports’ Aditi Kinkhabwala on social media:

Tee Higgins told me last week being paid as a WR1 is not necessarily his no. 1 motivator. Said, “I’m playing with if not the best, one of the best, QBs. I’m playing with if not the best, one of the best, WRs. That opens up things for me.” And: “In this offense, everyone has a chance to be spotlighted.” He now shares an agent with Ja’Marr Chase and Chase told us Higgins is “the most unselfish person.” Maybe it’s not impossible…

This has been a read-between-the-lines thing for a few weeks now.

After all, Joe Burrow shocked some by putting serious public pressure on the Bengals front office to get an extension done. Shortly after, Higgins split with his (notorious in Cincinnati) agent. Then, he signed with the same reps as Ja’Marr Chase.

Tack on an all-timer of a showing in Bengals franchise history in Week 17, and this report, and it certainly feels like the team won’t have a choice but to find a way to keep the dynamic trio together.

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Commanders’ fans want Bengals star Tee Higgins after his latest performance

Commanders’ fans want to see Tee Higgins in the burgundy and gold next season.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins went off in Saturday’s 30-24 win over the Denver Broncos. In a must-win game for Cincinnati’s playoff hopes, Higgins caught 11 passes for 131 yards and three touchdowns, including a dominant drive in overtime to help the Bengals improve to 8-8.

Higgins, of course, is a free agent after the season. Playing on the franchise tag in 2024, the Bengals must also pay fellow wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase this offseason. It’s almost mathematically impossible for Cincinnati to pay Joe Burrow, Chase and Higgins.

With so many teams needing wide receivers this offseason, Higgins will have no shortage of suitors. The Patriots, Panthers and Commanders are among the teams with the cap space, cash, and a need at wide receiver. Washington has Terry McLaurin, who is having a phenomenal season but badly needs a legit difference-maker opposite him for rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Could Higgins be that guy? Would general manager Adam Peters splurge on Higgins? While Higgins will be expensive, he is 6-foot-4, only 25 (26 in January), and highly productive. He could be exactly what Washington needs to take its offense to the next level.

While it’s unclear where Peters stands on Higgins, Commanders’ fans made it clear on X — formerly Twitter — where they stand.

This Eagles fan does not want Higgins in Washington.