Tee Higgins’ expected departure from the Cincinnati Bengals is suddenly a topic for debate.
As a wide receiver two behind Ja’Marr Chase, Higgins has 302 receptions for 4,265 yards and 29 touchdowns from 66 games.
But after failing to reach a long-term deal and playing under the franchise tag this season, we have long assumed that ‘Tee’ is on his way come February.
However, developments this week have given fans hope that the wide receiver may stay in stripes after all.
Agent of fortune
The first domino to fall was Higgins parting ways with his long-time agent, David Mulugheta.
This change of representation is particularly significant given Mulugheta’s contentious relationship with Cincy’s front office.
A previous impasse with former safety Jessie Bates set a precedent of tension and intransigence. So could this move pave the way for more productive discussions?
Burrow’s backing
Adding fuel to the fire, after the Bengals’ Monday Night Football victory over the Dallas Cowboys, Joe Burrow expressed confidence in the team’s ability to retain Higgins.
He stated: “I know that I am gonna do what it takes to get him back, and so is he. We have had those talks.”
The day after, he added that he would be “very disappointed” if Higgins was not retained.
He sounds personally invested. Does he know something? Is he willing to restructure his own mega-contract? Or is this just strategic lobbying?
Either way, this endorsement carries significant weight, given Burrow’s clout within the organisation.
Financial chess
The Bengals are walking a financial tightrope here. With $59.7 million in projected cap space, they will need to be creative to accommodate Higgins, valued at $18.8 million per year.
That is because they also need to splash some cash to improve the league’s fourth-worst defense and to extend Chase, who is going to reset the market after a phenomenal year.
Chase himself has joined the chorus of support for Higgins. His cryptic references to the need to play chess suggests an appreciation of the intricate negotiations and financial flexibility required to keep the dynamic duo intact.
It is time to pay the piper
Despite the optimism, Higgins’ desire for a substantial long-term deal and the opportunity to be a wide receiver one elsewhere – New England perhaps – could still mean he tests free agency.
Yet this week’s developments have raised doubts over what seemed like an inevitable parting of ways.
Restructuring contracts and juggling costs do not come naturally to this franchise but for once, they need to play the game. Even their own players are demanding it.
So come on Bengals, we are hungry for success. It must be Tee time!
