Some time ago, the word around the NFL was that Joe Burrow would take less money in his big contract to make sure his team kept his weapons around him.
That wasn’t the case at all.
He took as big a contract as he could, and while there’s nothing wrong with maximizing your value, that hurt the team’s chances of keeping some of his teammates.
As such, Tee Higgins might be the odd man out, so Burrow is trying to change that by constantly stating that he wants him to stay.
That was the case again after the win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Addressing the media, the former No. 1 pick reaffirmed that the team must make sure to bring Higgins back next season (via Complex Sports).
“You just can’t let him leave the building. He’s a one of a kind player and person and one that we count on so hopefully we can make that happen,” said Burrow.
“You just can’t let him leave the building. He’s a one of a kind player and person and one that we count on so hopefully we can make that happen”
– Joe Burrow on Tee Higgins
pic.twitter.com/8ZZH654XyH— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) January 5, 2025
Higgins has been his second favorite target behind potential triple-crown winner Ja’Marr Chase.
He’s hauled 73 receptions for 911 receiving yards and ten touchdowns this season.
He will be one of the most sought-after wide receivers in free agency, with teams like the New England Patriots reportedly ready to make him a very lucrative offer.
Higgins has expressed his desire to stay with the team for longer, but he has also made it clear that he feels disrespected by the organization’s handling of his contract situation.
And while the Bengals could always choose to franchise-tag him again, it seems that would only lead to a holdout, given how things have fared between them.
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