As the Cincinnati Bengals prepare for “Simpsons Funday Football,” wide receivers coach Troy Walters took initiatives to connect with star receiver Tee Higgins amidst concerns regarding his contract status. Following an offseason marked by trade requests from Higgins, Walters decided to reach out to him personally to address the rumors surrounding a potential holdout from training camp.
During their call, Higgins, while playing golf in Miami, reassured Walters that he would accept the franchise tag instead of skipping out on the training camp. Despite the Bengals struggling with a 4-8 record, Higgins is enjoying a standout season. He is averaging a personal best of 79.7 yards per game and has recorded five touchdowns, with hopes of extending his streak when they face the Dallas Cowboys soon.
However, Higgins’ season has been clouded by injuries that have caused him to miss five games. His struggles have led to skepticism from fans, with some questioning the authenticity of his injuries in light of his ongoing contract discussions. Higgins expressed his frustration about the accusations, emphasizing that faking an injury would not benefit him, especially given the timeline for a contract extension had already passed.
Moving forward, Higgins aims to resolve his injury issues and has plans for an offseason study to uncover the root causes. His performance has been a highlight amid the contrasts of contract negotiations alongside his teammates, Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase, who also seek lucrative deals. While Higgins managed to secure a franchise tag worth $21.8 million, he eyes a bright future looking ahead at being a top free agent in 2025.
It’s a bittersweet scenario for Higgins, as he may be playing his last games as a Bengal, but his current on-field performance shows he is focused on giving his best effort. This could ultimately lead to a lucrative contract, whether with Cincinnati or elsewhere, which reflects his determination and talent.
In summary, Higgins has made it clear that he is committed to his game despite external pressures and challenges, and his performances are a testament to that commitment. Enthusiasts can look forward to seeing how he finishes out the season, potentially setting him up for a successful future in the NFL.