The Cincinnati Bengals placed the franchise tag on wide receiver Tee Higgins to keep him out of NFL free agency. Days later, the star wideout formally requested a trade out of Cincinnati.
Higgins, the 33rd overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, has been one of the best wide receivers in the NFL since entering the league. Standing at 6-foot-4, Higgins is responsible for,684 receiving yards and 24 touchdowns in just four seasons.
- Tee Higgins contract: $21.816 million salary in 2024
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After announcing they placed the franchise tag on Higgins, the Bengals stated their desire to keep Higgins as a go-to offensive weapon opposite Ja’Marr Chase. However, after making quarterback Joe Burrow one of the highest-paid NFL players and with Chase due for a lucrative extension, a long-term deal for the Bengals’ No. 2 wide receiver was always viewed as unlikely.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Monday that Higgins officially requested a trade out of Cincinnati. The star wide receiver reportedly wanted to remain in a Bengals’ uniform long term, but the club’s decision to franchise tag him and not negotiate a contract extension with him forced his trade request.
- Tee Higgins stats 2023: 42 receptions, 656 receiving yards, 15.6 yards per reception
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Higgins would’ve been the best wide receiver available in NFL free agency if he wasn’t tagged. Following his trade request, the New England Patriots, Carolina Panthers, Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars are likely to be among his top suitors in NFL trade rumors.
According to Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team, NFL executives believe the Bengals could get an early second-round pick or potentially a late first-round pick in exchange for Higgins. If Cincinnati pulls the trigger on a deal, it’s expected to use that selection on either an offensive tackle or interior defensive lineman.
