Cincinnati Bengals Re-Signed A Ex-Potential Star QB Player For 2024 Season On A Year Contract…
The Cincinnati Bengals prevented wide receiver Tee Higgins from entering NFL free agency by using the franchise tag on him. Days later, the star wideout demanded a trade eyeing an opportunity with another team even if it meant leaving a Super Bowl contender.
However, there were reportedly no inquiries from around the league into Higgins in the days following his trade request. While he is viewed as one of the 20 best wide receivers in the NFL, teams seemed to be skeptical that Cincinnati would move a critical part of its offense.
On March 24, though, it was reported that NFL teams were beginning to think Cincinnati might now be more receptive to trade offers. However, those hopes might’ve been squashed at the recent NFL Owners Meetings this past week in Orlando.
Speaking to reporters, Bengals’ coach Zac Taylor expressed excitement about what Higgins will do for the offense in 2024 and offered no indication that the team is open to moving him.
Taylor wasn’t the only member of the Bengals’ organization squashing NFL trade rumors involving Higgins. Cincinnati’s executive vice president Katie Blackburn indicated the organization fully intends to have Higgins on the field for the entirety of the 2024 season.
Higgins has both publicly and privately expressed a desire to remain in Cincinnati, but the Bengals’ organization reportedly hasn’t approached his representatives about a contract extension. Seeking to become one of the highest-paid NFL players, Higgins requested a trade to land with a team that would pay him.
In all likelihood, Higgins will spend the 2024 season as the Bengals’ No. 2 receiver opposite of Ja’Marr Chase. After that, regardless of how he performs this fall, then Cincinnati would likely allow him to become a free agent in 2025 and leave for another opportunity.
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Cincinnati Bengals Could Add Another Dominant LSU Wide Receiver to the Offense for 2024
The Bengals’ offense will always be elite as long as quarterback Joe Burrow is under center. The problem head coach Zac Taylor needs to solve is the weapons around Burrow.
The Bengals have lost Tyler Boyd and Joe Mixon in the 2024 offseason. Tee Higgins has requested a trade after being placed on a franchise tag before the official league start date. Rumors have climbed into the media that Higgins may be moved. That would only leave star wide receiver Jamar Chase for Burrow to trust on Sundays.
The Bengals added tight end Mike Gesicki and running back Zack Moss to alleviate some of the pressure off their offense, but if Higgins is moved, it doesn’t leave much outside.
Could the Bengals turn to the LSU pipeline of wide receivers to supplement some outside skill for Burrow to throw to?
Much of the talk surrounding LSU involves quarterback Jayden Daniels and wide receiver Malik Nabers. It is safe to say they won’t have a chance at Nabers with the 18th pick, but his partner to the outside might be available there.
Many do not know Brian Thomas Jr., the LSU product Joe Burrow would love to have.
This year’s draft is deep at wide receiver. The top three names could be selected in the first ten picks. Thomas Jr. is projected toward the end of the first, but the Bengals could feel the need to grab him at 18.
Thomas Jr. had an impressive junior season, with Jayden Daniels finding him often. He had 68 receptions for 1,118 yards and 17 touchdowns. He led all of Division One football in receiving touchdowns in 2023.
Brian is 6’3″ and 209 lbs. He ran a 4.33 40-yard dash time at the combine. During the gauntlet passing drill, Next Gen Stats clocked Thomas at 22.91 miles per hour, the second-fastest among receivers at the event. His vertical measured 38.5 inches, and his broad jump was 10’6″.
Thomas Jr. would add a rare combination of size and speed to the offense. His ability in the red zone would also be a much-needed addition.