‘Selfless’ Tee Higgins ready to take less money from Bengals just to stay with Joe Burrow
Tee Higgins is playing his fifth year in Cincinnati after being drafted as the 33rd pick in 2020 draft along with first overall Joe Burrow.
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Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow chats with wide receiver Tee Higgins as the punt team takes the field during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (Image via Imagn Images)
The Cincinnati Bengals hang on to mathematical possibilities as the NFL season heads into the final week in just three days. Amid the postseason hopes and chances of being so close yet not near, the Bengals are fighting to keep their central trio intact. Amongst Tee Higgins, Joe Burrow, and Ja’Marr Chase, the Bengals’ financial armory is not as sufficient, and the salary cap is pretty bounding.
Tee Higgins was central to the Bengals’ early playoff-clinching denial win against the Denver Broncos. The Bengals defeated the Broncos 30-24 in overtime, Higgins registering three touchdowns including the final TD in overtime to seal the deal. The Clemson Tigers product finished the Week 17 game with 11 receptions for 131 yards.
Earlier, it was thought that Tee Higgins had his last hurrah in the Orange and Black. However, a recent report recently shared by CBS Sports’ Aditi Kinkhabwala on social media may provide some hope.
Tee Higgins told me last week being paid as a WR1 is not necessarily his no. 1 motivator. I’m playing with if not the best, one of the best, QBs. I’m playing with if not the best, one of the best, WRs. That opens up things for me. In this offense, everyone has a chance to be spotlighted.
Aditi Kinkhabwala reported
🚨NEWS: Star WR Tee Higgins is willing to take LESS MONEY to stay with the #Bengals.
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) December 31, 2024
“Being paid as a WR1 isn’t the top motivator: ‘I’m playing with one of the best QBs, one of the best WRs. That opens things up for me. In this offense, everyone gets a chance to be spotlighted.” pic.twitter.com/HO0THfEsUk
In addition, Higgins now shares an agent with Chase, who earlier told Kinkhabwala that Higgins is “the most unselfish person.” Couple that with the public pressure recently put on the front office by Joe Burrow to get a Higgins extension done and all of a sudden, the impossible may be possible after all.
Tee Higgins staying in Cincinnati would derail the New England Patriots’ plan
New England Patriots currently holding the first pick in the upcoming draft is all set to build a roster around Tee Higgins. Joe Burrow’s dedication to keeping the dynamic receiving duo of Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase together introduces some uncertainty about Higgins’ future.
Furthermore, Tee Higgins’ willingness to accept less money and stay in Ohio might hinder their strategic plans to move forward.
The Patriots’ top priorities this offseason are strengthening the offensive line and wide receiver positions. According to PFF, the team ranks last in both pass-blocking and run-blocking grades. Throughout the season, they’ve struggled with consistency on the line, frequently shuffling players, pulling talent from the practice squad, and thrusting them into starting roles.
In the final game against the Buffalo Bills, The Pats will be playing the Bills’ backup. Nonetheless, they are not expected to win and a first-pick is confirmed. Currently, heading into the final game of the 2024 regular season, the Patriots are the only team assured of a top-five draft pick.
The current Heisman winner Travis Hunter is a good option. Although it would be difficult for him to be the two-way player, being the wide corner and the wide receiver at the same time, the Patriots could try it out anyhow. It’s the NFL, anything can happen.
Related: (Video) Lions Terrion Arnold survives ejection even after slapping 49ers Jauan Jennings
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Mohammed Bazim
(364 Articles Published)