A.J. Green sends Bengals WR Tee Higgins a clear message ahead of free agency
The first major domino that needs to fall this offseason for the Cincinnati Bengals is signing wide receiver Tee Higgins to a long-term contract. If they want to prevent the 26-year old wideout from leaving in free agency and avoid placing an expensive franchise tag on him again, reaching an agreement prior to free agency […]
The first major domino that needs to fall this offseason for the Cincinnati Bengals is signing wide receiver Tee Higgins to a long-term contract. If they want to prevent the 26-year old wideout from leaving in free agency and avoid placing an expensive franchise tag on him again, reaching an agreement prior to free agency before the second week of March is critical.
Quarterback Joe Burrow has called it a need multiple times. Head coach Zac Taylor believes he and the front office see eye-to-eye on it. The team as a whole wants it done.
You can throw in a franchise legend and former teammate of Higgins into that mix as well.
A.J. Green can relate a little to what Higgins is going through. Green didn't sign his big contract until right before his fifth year in Cincinnati and had to play a year on the franchise tag several seasons later, the same year he played alongside Higgins in 2020.
No one questioned Green's status as a true No. 1 receiver and that's what he labeled Higgins as on a recent episode of the Wincinnati Podcast. Green also gave some advice to Higgins on the program.
"He has a great quarterback," Green said. "And you find a great quarterback to play with, I'm telling you, better stick with him."
Green also only played one season with Burrow, but he's watched the four years that followed. He does know ball, after all.
It figures to be the decision of Higgins' life. Does he want to get paid to stay with Burrow (and Ja'Marr Chase for that matter), or does he want to get paid and risk having a worse QB throw him the ball for the rest of his career? He'll certainly get an offer from the Bengals leading up to free agency as deadlines spur action and the most important voices in the building want it done. There's also the knowledge that he'd be the grand prize on the free agency market and all the literal riches that come with that luxury.
The Bengals have the power to eliminate the choice from him all together thanks to the second franchise tag, but that will cost more salary cap space than they'd prefer to use this offseason. The best outcome for both sides is a fair deal that keeps Burrow and Higgins together and satisfies Higgins' bank account.
If Higgins listens to the guy he ultimately took part in replacing, his decision will reflect that best case scenario. It's also up to the club to make an offer worth considering and to not use Burrow's greatness as leverage.
Nevertheless, Cincinnati should be grateful one of its best all-time playmakers is offering words of support.
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Cincinnati’s offseason begins now.
