This is music to the ears of Cincinnati Bengals fans everywhere, and the last thing anyone hoping their team could trade for Tee Higgins. The franchise-tagged receiver is expected to play this season in Cincinnati, according to a recent report.
While a door is left open for a “crazy, unforeseen offer,” anticipate Higgins in a Bengals uniform this season. It is not that there is not a team out there willing to overpay for Higgins because at least one would. This is about understanding how the franchise operates. Cincinnati prefers to keep talented players rather than trade them elsewhere, even if it results in said player being disgruntled (Carson Palmer, anyone?). This is not to say that Higgins will go down that same path, but it is something to monitor.
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It is in the best interest of Higgins and the Bengals to work out a deal. Cincinnati clearly wants Higgins to be part of the future. Meanwhile, Higgins will want to be paid the level of production he is capable of. Coming to terms on a deal now will help Cincinnati navigate its future financial commitments an easier process. The team is still going to have to work out a new deal for fellow receiver Ja’Marr Chase. This is in addition to seeing Joe Burrow’s cap hit increase by nearly $20 million after this season. Finding a way to keep their three most important offensive weapons under contract is an absolute must right now. And that all starts with working out a new deal with Higgins.