Bengals WR Tee Higgins explains how he's approaching contract year
Joe Burrow isn't the only player Cincinnati Bengals are interested in keeping around for several more years. The Bengals are absolutely in the business of ensuring wide receiver Tee Higgins stays in town for the long run. Their insistence on shutting down any and all trade rumors speaks volumes. In his new No. 5 jersey, […]
Joe Burrow isn't the only player Cincinnati Bengals are interested in keeping around for several more years.
The Bengals are absolutely in the business of ensuring wide receiver Tee Higgins stays in town for the long run. Their insistence on shutting down any and all trade rumors speaks volumes.
In his new No. 5 jersey, Higgins is looking to show out in year four, whether or not a shiny new contract comes prior.
The Pat McAfee Show talked with Higgins about his mindset heading into 2023, with talks of an extension hovering over his name. But Higgins is focused on what's in front of him, not out of his control.
"Right now I'm just preparing for the season," Higgins said. "I'm not really worried about the contract. Obviously I want to get a deal done, but I'll let my agent handle that and, you know, right now just for me getting my body ready for next season."
It's the right thing to say, and considering his agent, it's the smart way to approach the year as well.
David Mulugheta representing Higgins makes this interesting. The prominent agent is in business with many star NFL players, like former Bengals safety Jessie Bates III. When Bates entered his contract year back in 2021, he was clearly distracted with the two sides not getting a deal done. This led to an inconsistent season for the star defensive back, and the team placed the franchise tag on him in 2022. Bates eventually left for the Atlanta Falcons in free agency this month.
It's in Mulugheta's best interest to make sure Higgins is the next highest-paid receiver in the NFL, and it's completely reasonable for Higgins to desire that as well. One other thing he may value is playing with Burrow.
"Playing with Joe (Burrow), he makes my job easier."
Elite quarterbacks have that effect on pass-catchers.
Oftentimes it's Burrow who gets labeled with being lifted by Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase. In reality, it's all three of them being together than makes everyone better.
If staying in Cincinnati with Burrow is of vital importance to Higgins, then getting a deal done shouldn't be too big of a hurdle.
What matters most right now is Higgins getting right for one of the most important seasons of his life.
