Will Bengals trade unhappy receiver Tee Higgins?
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.
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.
Here’s a look at some other notable rumors after Day 1 of free agency.
Latest on Justin Fields
The Falcons, Steelers and Raiders previously expressed interest in Fields this offseason.
Both the Falcons and Steelers have since found quarterbacks. The Raiders also reportedly agreed to terms with Gardner Minshew. But the Raiders are still rumored to be in the quarterback market.
The Bears are running out of leverage as Fields’ trade market dries up. Many people throughout the NFL expect the Bears to draft Southern Cal QB Caleb Williams at No. 1 overall in the draft.
Vikings prepared to lose linebacker Danielle Hunter
The Vikings are signing former Texans edge rusher Jonathan Greenard to a four-year $76 million deal, per reports from the Minnesota Star Tribune, ESPN and other outlets. Greenard’s new deal with the Vikings is an indication that Hunter’s time in Minnesota is over.
Hunter has played his entire career in Minnesota. His 87.5 career sacks rank third in Vikings history.
Greenard generated a career-high 15.7% pressure rate in 2023, per Next Gen Stats.