The Cincinnati Bengals remain steadfast in their expectation to retain Tee Higgins for the upcoming season, despite his recent trade request, which may cast doubt on his future with the team. Head coach Zac Taylor affirmed this stance during the AFC coaches breakfast at the 2024 NFL Annual Meeting. “We’re excited for Tee to have a great year with us,” Taylor expressed.

But why the optimism amidst trade talks? “We believe he provides us with the best opportunity to win a Super Bowl,” Taylor elaborated. “I’ve valued working with Tee over the past four years, and I anticipate this year will be no exception.”

Despite Higgins’ request, the 25-year-old has emerged as one of the NFL’s premier No. 2 wide receivers, amassing impressive stats of 190 receptions for 2,776 yards and 18 touchdowns across 42 games from 2021 through 2023. Moreover, when Ja’Marr Chase has been sidelined for games intermittently, Higgins has demonstrated the capability to fill the role of a primary receiver.

Higgins is seeking a contract extension that would position him among the league’s highest-paid wideouts. However, the Bengals have hesitated to meet his demands thus far.

With Joe Burrow already secured with a lucrative deal atop the quarterback market and Chase awaiting a substantial contract likely to rank among the largest for a wide receiver, Cincinnati faces financial constraints in accommodating Higgins’s contract aspirations.

Nevertheless, the Bengals remain in contention for a Super Bowl title, and Higgins’s absence would undoubtedly hinder their quest for the franchise’s maiden Lombardi Trophy. Yet, if presented with a favorable trade offer that enables them to procure a suitable replacement for Higgins, they may consider seizing the opportunity to solidify the No. 2 receiver position for the long haul, rather than risking a potential one-year arrangement.