Bengals GM makes extremely strong statement about key Cincy player
Cincinnati Bengals general manager Duke Tobin quickly shut down an out of control narrative on Tuesday
Cincinnati Bengals general manager Duke Tobin made an extremely strong statement about a key player on Tuesday at the 2023 NFL Draft combine in Indianapolis.
Tobin met with reporters and he was asked about wide receiver Tee Higgins.
Over the last couple of weeks, there's been a lot of noise about the Bengals potentially trading Higgins.
The idea is that Higgins is entering the final season of his contract and Cincinnati won't be able to afford him due to looming extensions for quarterback Joe Burrow (this offseason) and wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (next offseason).
Tobin pretty much shut down the Higgins rumors on Tuesday with a strongly worded statement.
"I'm not in the business of making other teams better, I'm in the business of making the Cincinnati Bengals better," said Tobin. "And so trading Tee Higgins is not on my mind. That's their problem. They want a receiver, go find your own. In my opinion, Tee Higgins is a good piece for the Cincinnati Bengals. The trade stuff is a little ridiculous right now."
Tobin also noted that he'd like to see Higgins be part of the Bengals franchise for a long time to come.
It's pretty clear from Tobin's words that Cincinnati's focus is on winning not on making sure the team saves money in every possible way. Now, that doesn't mean Tobin is going to be foolish — quite the opposite. He'll look to save money and cap space where possible.
But the Bengals won't be giving up marquee players just to make life easier when it comes to the salary cap. Tobin will work hard to make sure Cincinnati has the best roster possible.
Whether or not that includes Higgins beyond 2023 remains to be seen. Some of that will be out of the Bengals' control. Higgins has to agree to an extension for something long-term to work out. It's certainly possible that a deal won't be worked out. But the Bengals will cross that bridge when they get there. For now, they're moving ahead with Higgins entrenched as their WR2.
Featured image via Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
