12 March 2024 , 01:00
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Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins has surprised the team by asking for a trade after they didn't arrange talks about extending his contract. The Bengals recently put a franchise tag on Higgins, which means he'll earn around $21.8 million in the next season, but he is looking for a way out.
News of Higgins's request to leave Cincinnati came out early Monday morning on social media, as reported by NFL insiders. It happened just hours before the official start of the NFL's free agency period, when players can officially join new teams.
Despite expressing his love for the city and the team, ESPN reports that Higgins was unhappy with the lack of discussions about a long-term extension since March. During his time with the Bengals, the 25-year-old receiver made 257 catches, covered 3,684 yards, and scored 24 touchdowns.
He's been a key weapon for young quarterback Joe Burrow. However, injuries last year led to his lowest season of production since joining the Bengals, while Burrow also missed much of the season Despite playing in 12 games, the former second-round pick only caught 42 passes for 656 yards and five touchdowns.
Top wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase has a four-year deal with the Bengals for £22 million ($30.8 million). He was picked fifth in the 2021 NFL Draft. Chase could get a big pay rise to about £86 million ($120 million) over four years.
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Chase wants to wait for his new deal until other players like CeeDee Lamb and Justin Jefferson get theirs. He thinks this will show what he should ask for. He also wants the team to pay Tee Higgins well.
"Who knows how that will unfold at the end of the day. We have to worry about Tee this year too, make sure bro gets his money," Chase said. "And on the other hand, I gotta wait for other receivers like CeeDee Lamb and Justin Jefferson to get paid, too."
Uncertainty surrounding Higgins is a blow for quarterback Joe Burrow (pictured) (Getty)Duke Tobin from the Bengals says the team franchise tagged Higgins because they saved money all year to keep him. They can keep Higgins next season, give him a new contract, or trade him.
The Bengals struggled last year when their star quarterback Burrow hurt his wrist. But he's coming back in May and will be throwing the ball again soon.
The Bengals have the No. 16 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and experts reckon they'll be looking to strengthen their offensive tackle, defensive tackle, tight end, cornerback, and maybe even receiver positions.
Current predictions suggest they might go for offensive tackle JC Latham from Alabama or tight end Brock Bowers from Georgia, if he's still available when it's their turn to pick.