Tee Higgins in Action for the Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor has emphatically stated that wide receiver Tee Higgins is essential to the team’s Super Bowl aspirations, despite Higgins’ offseason trade request. Taylor expressed his unwavering confidence in Higgins at the NFL’s Annual League Meeting, emphasizing the receiver’s importance to the team’s success in 2024.
“We’re excited for Tee to have a great year for us,” Taylor stated, according to Kelsey Conway of The Cincinnati Enquirer. He went on to say, “We think he’s our best chance to help us win a Super Bowl. I’ve enjoyed working with Tee the last four years, I expect this year to be no different.” This unequivocal statement underscores the Bengals’ belief in Higgins’ abilities and their commitment to keeping him on the roster.
The Bengals placed the franchise tag on Higgins, preventing him from entering free agency. This move seemingly prompted Higgins’ trade request, creating tension between the player and the organization. The deadline for the Bengals to negotiate a long-term contract with Higgins is mid-July. If a deal isn’t reached, the situation could repeat next offseason.
However, Taylor remains focused on the present. With Higgins currently under contract, the Bengals are preparing for training camp with the expectation that he will participate. Addressing the potential for Higgins to hold out, Taylor commented, “Those are their business decisions they make and we’ll continue to prepare the guys that are there and get ready for training camp. Excited to have a great year with Tee.” This pragmatic approach highlights the coach’s focus on preparing the team for the upcoming season, regardless of individual contract disputes.
If Higgins plays under the franchise tag, he will earn $21.8 million in 2024. This substantial salary reflects his value to the team and the league’s recognition of his talent.
Higgins, 25, is coming off a statistically underwhelming season, recording 42 receptions for 656 yards and five touchdowns in only 12 games due to injuries. This performance contrasts sharply with his back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2021 and 2022, showcasing his potential for elite production.
The former Clemson standout, a second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, has become a key component of the Bengals’ offense. While the contract situation remains unresolved, Taylor’s confident assertion that Higgins will be in uniform next season suggests that the Bengals are optimistic about a resolution and eager to leverage his talent in their pursuit of a Super Bowl title.
