Cincinnati Bengals Director of Player Personnel Duke Tobin has responded harshly to the trade rumors that swirled around wide receiver Tee Higgins during last year’s NFL Scouting Combine.
Tobin at the time dismissed the idea that the team would accept any potential offer that would involve shipping Higgins to another team in the NFL, saying, “If they want a receiver, look for them yourself.” ” Tobin said at the time.
A year later, Tobin’s tone was markedly different, perhaps as the Bengals realized they might have to find a replacement for their star receiver themselves.
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Tee Higgins of the Cincinnati Bengals (Jeff Dean/Getty Images)
“Tee Higgins was signed to us last year,” Tobin said at the Senior Bowl this week, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.
“He was a player that we drafted for that reason to be a contributor for us. He’s not under contract right now so we have to figure out how to make that happen and that’s what we’re going to do. I would have to go if I could.”
Bengals star receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins reflect on ‘roller coaster’ season and big decisions ahead
The Bengals have several options this offseason. They could offer Higgins a long-term extension or place the franchise tag on the 25-year-old wideout. A third option would be to simply let Higgins walk as a free agent.
Ja’Marr Chase (left), Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins of the Cincinnati Bengals (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Higgins would make an estimated $22 million in 2024 if the team goes the franchise route. Unless the Bengals team up and trade Higgins to a team willing to sign him, he will become a free agent again next offseason. Toward a long-term contract.
Tobin indicated the organization is in wait-and-see mode but would like to bring Higgins back.
Tee Higgins of the Cincinnati Bengals catches the ball and scores a touchdown in the fourth quarter of a game against the Minnesota Vikings on Dec. 16, 2023, at Peiko Stadium in Cincinnati. (Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
“We’ll see what happens this year,” Tobin said. “I want Tee Higgins back. Everybody on the team wants Tee Higgins back. Again, it’s one pie, how big a slice do you want? We need to decide what else we can’t do to do that.” And let’s see. ”
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Aside from the Higgins situation, the Bengals will have to prioritize reaching a contract extension with three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase in the near future.
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