AFC North opponent of the Browns looks like they’ll be keeping their elite receiving duo in 2024
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An off-season want that popped up right away for Cleveland Browns fans after the season ended was to land WR Tee Higgins.
It was always a far-fetched idea, but it appears even more unrealistic now. In a surprise to no one, the Bengals are expected to franchise tag Higgins to keep him from reaching free agency.
It was never likely that a receiving threat like Higgins would make his way across the division. The Bengals were never going to tag and trade him to Cleveland and now they don’t plan to allow him to hit free agency at all.
Higgins is a headache for teams and a lot of the reason is because you already have to worry about WR Ja’Marr Chase. Higgins crossed the 1,000-yard mark in 2021 and 2022, then had 656 yards this season in 12 games. It must be pointed out that Joe Burrow only played in a total of 10 games.
Tagging Higgins will allow the Bengals to keep him and Chase together for one more year. Cincinnati will land another receiver or try to develop one to take over for Higgins when he inevitably does leave.
It was never realistic for the Browns that they had a chance to get Higgins. Now it looks like they’ll see him at least twice next season and have to worry about his downfield playmaking ability.
Browns need to bring back pending free agent that helped revive their defense in 2023
It makes sense for both sides.
