The Cincinnati Bengals are solely targeted on profitable out the remainder of the season with the hope of sneaking into the playoffs.
However, the truth for star extensive receiver Tee Higgins is that he will likely be a free agent irrespective of how the season shakes out for Cincinnati, begging the query of whether or not he finds a house elsewhere or stays put.
That has been a subject hanging over the Bengals’ heads all season lengthy, and it’s one thing quarterback Joe Burrow and fellow receiver Ja’Marr Chase have each commented on.
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Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, #9, talks with extensive receiver Tee Higgins, #5, after a play because the punting crew takes the sphere within the second quarter of the NFL Week 11 sport between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Cincinnati Bengals at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (IMAGN)
Burrow mentioned he could be “very dissatisfied” to see Higgins taking part in for an additional crew, and Chase reiterated that time earlier than the win over the Tennessee Titans this weekend.
“Yeah, 100%, I really feel like he deserves to be right here,” Chase informed reporters about Higgins. “He needs to be right here, however on the finish of the day, that’s not in my management. I simply hope the very best for him. I hope he can keep. We preserve this going.”
Chase added that Higgins is a lacking piece to this profitable offensive trio if he leaves, saying “we’ve got constructed chemistry this lengthy, chemistry with Joe, so the chemistry is there already.”
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So, how does Higgins really feel about listening to his teammates sticking up for him with this contract negotiation course of on the horizon?
“Man, it means so much,” Higgins informed Fox News Digital whereas serving to give out bikes to children on the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Cincinnati with Raising Cane’s. “It exhibits these guys obtained mad love for me, and I’m an asset to this crew. I actually recognize them.”
Cincinnati Bengals extensive receiver Tee Higgins, #5, leaps into the top zone previous Tennessee Titans cornerback Chidobe Awuzie, #13, through the second quarter at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024. (imagn)
Bengals followers clearly perceive the impression that Higgins makes, and like Chase mentioned, the power to run it again with the identical trio helps the crew’s probabilities at having a greater yr than they’ve in 2025.
That feeling picked up steam when Higgins moved on from agent David Mulugheta to signal with Rocky Arceneaux – the identical agent who represents Chase. Chase can also be trying to money in on a brand new contract as he’s set to play on his fifth-year possibility in 2025.
However, will Cincinnati need to pay each Chase and Higgins, the latter of which has a $18.3 million market worth, whereas the previous can presumably be the highest-paid receiver when he indicators a brand new deal as properly?
In simply 9 video games this season – as Higgins has battled some accidents – he has 669 yards on 50 catches with six touchdowns.
Cincinnati Bengals extensive receiver Tee Higgins, #5, salutes the Cincinnati Bengals followers who traveled towards the Tennessee Titans publish sport at Nissan Stadium. (Steve Roberts-Imagn Images)
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Albeit a down yr by his requirements in 2023, the 25-year-old has two 1,000-yard seasons with 30 complete touchdowns over 5 seasons.
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