Bengals’ Tee Higgins reacts to viral trade rumors after playoffs exit

In today's rumors of football, multiple reports surfaced on Friday morning that Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins could be traded for a top draft pick if his asking price for an extension is "outrageous."

Upon hearing his name in trade talks, Higgins responded on Twitter:

"Hear ya'll go."

The Athletic reported on Friday morning that the team could trade him if the two sides can't reach a reasonable deal.

Via Jeff Dehner Jr.:

"Higgins is not a free agent. His contract dictates he reports and plays for the last year of his deal, worth $4 million, but conversations need to be had about a long-term contract. If the numbers are outrageous and it’s clear the two sides won’t see eye to eye, the Bengals could go the route taken by multiple teams in recent seasons and deal the receiver for a top draft pick and start the cycle over with a rookie receiver.

"A.J. Brown was dealt in Tennessee to Philadelphia for picks 18 and 101 last year. The first-round pick turned into receiver Treylon Burks. Minnesota traded Stefon Diggs to Buffalo for the No. 22 pick, which turned into Justin Jefferson. Both veteran receivers promptly were given large extensions by the acquiring teams. There are other examples, but you get the point.

"The Bengals can also choose to bank on Higgins reporting this year and playing, then deal with extensions and franchise tags (or potential tag and trade) in 2024. Maybe (quarterback Joe) Burrow takes less and says give that money to Higgins so the weapons stay together. Many options exist and the Bengals will have to sort through all of them. The most likely outcome would be Higgins playing out the last year of his rookie contract."

The Bengals have a lot of business to do in the future regarding Tee Higgins, Ja'Marr Chase and Joe Burrow

AFC championship game: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Kansas City Chiefs

The Bengals will enter this offseason with an estimated $44 million in cap space, which is the fourth-most in the league. While it seems like they are in a good position, they aren't because of the money that will be spent in the near future.

The team is expected to pay quarterback Joe Burrow a contract worth $50 million per year this offseason, and they'll still have to worry about paying wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase, who is regarded as a top three wide receiver in the NFL.

Chase has 168 receptions, 2,501 yards and 22 touchdowns in two seasons. Top receivers are being paid $25-$30 million annually, and between Chase and Burrow, who helped LSU to the 2019 national champinship, they'll be being paid nearly $100 million per season between both of them.

It would be hard for the Bengals to give Higgins a reasonable contract in his eyes with the money spent on those two.

Higgins has recorded 327 receptions, 3,028 yards, and 19 touchdowns in three seasons.

If you use any of the above quotes, please credit The Athletic, Jeff Dehenr Jr., and H/T Sportskeeda.