Sad News: After meeting with Head coach Zac Taylor and General Manager Duke Tobin Bengals set to release key Star despite

The Cincinnati Bengals are reportedly preparing to part ways with standout wide receiver Tee Higgins after meetings with head coach Zac Taylor and general manager Duke Tobin. This decision comes as Higgins approaches free agency in the offseason, a situation complicated by the team’s salary cap constraints.

 

Despite quarterback Joe Burrow’s public support and willingness to adjust his contract to help retain Higgins, it appears the Bengals are leaning toward moving on from the star wideout.

 

Higgins’ Impact in Cincinnati

 

Since being drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Higgins has been a cornerstone of the Bengals’ offense. Known for his size, athleticism, and ability to make contested catches, Higgins has been instrumental in the team’s success, including their run to the Super Bowl during the 2021 season.

 

In his four seasons with the Bengals, Higgins has amassed over 3,500 receiving yards and 27 touchdowns, forming one of the league’s most dynamic receiver duos alongside Ja’Marr Chase. His presence on the field has been crucial in elevating Burrow’s performance and giving the Bengals a competitive edge in the AFC.

 

The Financial Dilemma

 

Higgins is set to become a free agent in the offseason, and his market value is expected to command a lucrative contract that could exceed $20 million per year. With Burrow recently signing a record-breaking extension and Chase likely to command a massive deal soon, the Bengals face the difficult reality of managing their salary cap.

 

While Burrow has expressed a willingness to restructure his deal to help the team retain Higgins, the Bengals’ front office appears hesitant to make the long-term financial commitment required to keep him.

 

Joe Burrow’s Support

 

Burrow has been vocal about his desire to keep Higgins in Cincinnati, emphasizing the receiver’s importance to the team’s success. Following reports of Higgins’ potential release, Burrow reportedly told the front office he would do “whatever he can” to help retain his star teammate, including adjusting his contract.

“I want Tee here. He’s a huge part of what we do, and I’ll do whatever it takes to make it work,” Burrow said in a recent interview.

 

Despite Burrow’s efforts, the decision ultimately rests with the front office, which must weigh the long-term financial implications against the immediate benefits of keeping Higgins.

 

What’s Next for Higgins?

 

If the Bengals proceed with releasing Higgins, he will instantly become one of the most sought-after free agents in the NFL. Teams in need of a reliable No. 1 receiver, such as the Chicago Bears, New England Patriots, or Carolina Panthers, are expected to pursue him aggressively.

Higgins’ departure would mark the end of an era in Cincinnati and leave a significant void in the Bengals’ offense. While Chase remains a top-tier talent, the loss of Higgins would limit the team’s depth and flexibility in the passing game.

 

The Bengals’ Path Forward

 

For the Bengals, the focus will shift to developing younger receivers like Tyler Boyd and potentially drafting a replacement for Higgins in the 2024 NFL Draft. The team’s ability to remain competitive in a crowded AFC will depend heavily on how they navigate this transition.

 

A Heartbreaking Decision

 

Higgins’ likely departure underscores the harsh realities of the NFL, where financial considerations often outweigh emotional and on-field connections. For Bengals fans, this news will be a tough pill to swallow, particularly given Higgins’ contributions to the team’s resurgence in recent years.

 

As Higgins prepares to enter the next chapter of his career, his legacy in Cincinnati as a key piece of their modern success remains undeniable.