Tee Higgins contract arena: Bengals’ Joe Burrow explains why he is ‘assured’ team will re-trace WR

The future is rapidly searching brighter for the Cincinnati Bengals, who enjoy been mired in a disappointing season up to now. Cincinnati saved its playoff hopes alive after defeating the Cowboys on Monday night. After the game, Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow gave an optimistic response when asked about receiver Tee Higgins‘ future with the team. 

Higgins is playing this season under the franchise ticket after he and the Bengals enjoy been unable to intention to terms on an extension this previous offseason. Burrow, though, feels that things can be varied this time around. 

“We do not know, however these discussions are ongoing,” Burrow said. “I’m assured that I deem we’re gonna be in a inform to manufacture what it takes to elevate Tee help. I do know that I’m gonna manufacture what it takes to derive him help, and so is he. We enjoy had these talks. These are gonna be off-season discussions, however I deem we’re interested by that various.” 

Burrow’s comments made their formulation help to Higgins, who said he never ruled out returning to Cincinnati. Higgins did reportedly request a alternate after the Bengals in the commence franchise tagged him final offseason. 

“That is cool. That is at probability of be thrilling to approach right here and what now not,” Higgins said. “Yelp out Joe.” 

When asked if or now not it is feasible for the Bengals to retain Burrow, Higgins and fellow wideout Ja’Marr Trudge, Higgins said that’s “a inquire for upstairs. I’ve obtained no clue.” 

Trudge, who leads the NFL this season with 15 touchdown receptions, can be due for a brand new deal and is anticipated to be compensated as one amongst (if now not the) highest-paid gamers at his inform. Higgins’ projected market price is $18.8 million per One year over 5 years, based completely on Spotrac. That is a slash price for a participant of Higgins’ caliber. 

A two-time 1,000-yard receiver, Higgins become part of Burrow’s 2020 draft class. The 2 enjoy played an integral role in the franchise’s upward thrust from a final-location team to a perennial AFC contender. Burrow, who is enjoying his simplest season up to now, knows what Higgins’ presence technique for him and his teammates. 

“You would perhaps perhaps be feeling his presence when he is on the market,” Burrow said. “You would perhaps perhaps be feeling the intention it impacts a protection. You would perhaps perhaps be feeling the intention it impacts the defensive coordinator’s calls. Although he is now not monumental productive on a night, groups must grief about him. … A protection is scared about him, and as well you feel that.” 

Whereas they’re now not out of the woods, Bengals followers who enjoy been scared about losing Higgins can breathe a bit whisper of relief. Higgins needs to quit, and the team’s franchise quarterback goes to manufacture his part to make that happen.