Tee Higgins, a wide receiver with the Cincinnati Bengals, is torn between the prospect of winning a Super Bowl and the need for long-term stability this off-season. Early in the season, the Bengals applied the franchise tag to Higgins in an attempt to keep their offensive firepower, which made the young receiver vocal about his desire for a big contract or a trade.
The Bengals are in a financial bind because star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase is expected to demand a large contract extension alongside starting quarterback Joe Burrow. Declaring Higgins “untouchable” amid trade rumors, general manager Duke Tobin indicated the team’s intention to retain their trio for a second chance at championship glory.
New @WLWT: Tee Higgins says he does anticipate playing for the Bengals in 2024. pic.twitter.com/kMh0Lar8Ws
— Charlie Clifford (@char_cliff) April 14, 2024
The Bengals’ position is unchanged in response to Higgins’ initial request: they intend to compete with their potent offensive weapons. But the reality of pay limit restrictions looms large, raising questions about whether Higgins can secure a long-term contract given the upcoming massive contracts for Burrow and Chase.
Tee Higgins’ attention is now on the Bengals
Despite this, Higgins seems content to flirt with the franchise tag, admitting in a recent youth camp appearance that he was becoming more and more attached to Cincinnati. The city may not have the glamour of bigger cities, but its fervent sports culture and devoted fan base have given the young receiver a feeling of community.
However, in the middle of his declarations of love for his present squad, the shadow of money talks looms. As the season goes on, the lure of a big contract elsewhere might put Higgins’ loyalty to the test.
Even if Higgins claims to love Cincinnati, the brutal reality of professional sports is that loyalty frequently coincides with financial stability. The Bengals are still in possession of a vital offensive weapon for the time being, but the ongoing conflict between sentiment and financial responsibility raises questions about the team’s future.
