According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Tee Higgins has requested a trade away from the Cincinnati Bengals. Expressing his fondness for Cincinnati, Higgins conveyed his desire to remain with the team for the foreseeable future. However, sources reveal his disappointment with the lack of discussions regarding a long-term contract extension since March 2023.
Having been drafted in the second round of the 2020 draft, Higgins faced the free agent market for the first time after his rookie contract with the Cincinnati Bengals came to an end. Over his first four seasons with the team, he amassed 257 receptions for 3,684 yards and 24 touchdowns. In seven postseason appearances, Higgins notched 31 receptions for 457 yards and three touchdowns.
Interestingly, this marks the second consecutive offseason where discussions surrounding Higgins’ future with the club have surfaced. During last year’s NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis, Bengals executive Duke Tobin dismissed any notions of a potential trade involving Higgins.
Despite efforts, both parties failed to reach a consensus on a long-term extension for Higgins before he embarked on the final season of his existing contract. Unfortunately, his 2023 campaign was marred by injuries, limiting him to just 12 games. Nonetheless, he managed to secure 42 receptions, accumulating 656 receiving yards and scoring five touchdowns. If the Bengals cannot make it work with Higgins, a handful of teams would surely love to secure the star receiver.
