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The Cincinnati Bengals have one of the most talented players in the NFL, wide receiver Tee Higgins. Higgins will be entering next season in the final year of his rookie contract and is set to become a free agent in 2024. The former Clemson Tigers star had a solid 2022 season for the Bengals with 74 receptions, 1,029 yards, and seven touchdowns.
Higgins was second to teammate Ja'Marr Chase in all three categories. Speaking of Chase, he could factor into the contract situation with Higgins. Chase is set to become a free agent in 2026 but the front office could view him as a greater priority than Tee Higgins. Should that be the case, the Bengals could look to trade the 24-year-old per reports.
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One reason for a possible trade is the potential return for Higgins. A receiver of Higgins' caliber could help a number of NFL offenses. With the 2023 NFL Draft fast approaching, Cincinnati may seek a top draft pick or two in exchange for Higgins. According to Spotrac, the market value of Higgins is a four-year, $80.6 million contract.
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Another reason why Cincinnati would consider trading Higgins is the list of impending free agents this offseason. Some of them include safety Jessie Bates, tight end Hayden Hurst, and cornerback Eli Apple. More importantly, the franchise must pay quarterback Joe Burrow sooner rather than later. Per Spotrac, Burrow's market value is a six-year, $264 million contract.
Even though Burrow isn't a free agent until 2025, locking up a franchise quarterback has been a priority for many teams. For Tee Higgins, could he be the odd man out on a roster full of young stars? The only true answer to that question can be answered by Cincinnati's cap ordeal and how they see Higgins' value financially.
Bengals' cap space in 2023
Thanks to the NFL boosting the salary cap up to $224.8 million for 2023, the Cincinnati Bengals will have a projected $35.7 million in cap space. It is the sixth-highest projected cap space in the NFL. Let's see how the team handles Higgins and their free agents this off-season.
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