Is Tee Higgins on his way out of Cincinnati?
The Bengals wide receiver requested a trade, a person close to the situation told USA TODAY Sports. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.
The Bengals placed Higgins under the franchise tag this offseason, but the wideout is seeking a long-term deal.
The Bengals already gave quarterback Joe Burrow a lucrative extension and have prioritized signing wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase to a long-term contract in the near future.
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It’s unlikely the Bengals acquiesce to Higgins’ trade demands. The Bengals were in a similar situation a few years ago with Jessie Bates, when the safety said he was unwilling to play under the franchise tag. The Bengals stood firm on their stance and Bates eventually played one more season in Cincinnati before departing in 2023 for the Atlanta Falcons.
It’s worth noting, Higgins and Bates have the same representation.
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