Former NFL GM Sends Clear Message to Tee Higgins Despite Duke Tobin’s Clear Stand on WR Preference

Tee Higgins has been here before—stuck in limbo, waiting for clarity that never quite comes. A year ago, the Bengals tagged him, betting on one more season before making the tough call. Now, history is set to repeat itself. The price has gone up, the stakes are higher, and the message from Cincinnati’s front office remains frustratingly mixed.

One moment, Bengals Director of Player Personnel Duke Tobin is calling Higgins a “fantastic football player.” The next, he’s making it clear that Ja’Marr Chase is the franchise’s top priority. For Higgins, the writing is on the wall. And if the Bengals aren’t willing to commit, someone else will be.

So the ball is firmly in the Bengals‘ front office’s court. QB Joe Burrow has been publicly outspoken on keeping both his weapons. But the real question is, can they? The HC Zac Taylor already indicated that the situation is challenging for them. Amid these, the former Packers VP, Andrew Brandt, dropped a bombshell that could irk many people in the Bengals building.

The former GM appeared on February 28 episode of The Rich Eisen Show where he first casually remarked, “I think on Higgins they’re gonna date again and not marry.” But he quickly became serious with comparisons to the highest-paid receivers in the league. Currently, Vikings WR Justin Jefferson sits on top with a $35 million deal. Chase is eyeing a record breaker.

So, Brandt claimed that retaining both was hard for the franchise to do. He even advised Joe Burrow that what he was asking for happens in the NBA, not the NFL. He dropped this revelation, “I don’t see them having one $35 million receiver and one receiver averaging $28 million. My prediction, they do a massive contract with Chase and they franchise tag Higgins again.“

Tee Higgins might have to force his way out. Last year, the Bengals placed the franchise tag on the receiver, paying him $21.6 million. If they tag him this year, he could add almost $5 million in purse, earning $26 million. But that also brings another year for the athlete to display peak performance or risk a smaller future contract. In 2024, he came up with the best performance of his 5-year career, with 10 TDs from 73 receptions for 911 receiving yards.

While conflicting reports come into the rumor mill, the situation escalates into a feud. Duke Tobin is involved in a tense back and forth with the player, spoiling the free agency environment.

Tee Higgins fires back at Bengals’ director

In times where the free agency market is approaching fast, Tobin made a critical mistake. He initially praised Tee Higgins, saying, “I think Tee Higgins is a fantastic football player and I want him on my football team.” However, soon after, he made his preference clear, “Ja’Marr is always going to be our priority.” That must have felt like a punch in the gut to Higgins.

The receiver didn’t hold back his emotions. He fiercely tweeted, “🧢,” calling it cap, a slang for a lie. The WR has got his message. Though he and Chase have the same agent, the Bengals’ priorities are set. They will go all-in for Chase, while Higgins waits for his end of the deal.

Many teams, including the Patriots, the Commanders, and the Raiders, desperately need a good receiver. But the Bengals are rumored to do a tag and trade scenario with the receiver. NFL insider Adam Schefter already predicted, “I don’t think any team is just gonna be able to sign Tee Higgins.” In most routes, the future ahead looks tricky.

The receiver performed well, keeping other expectations aside. But if the Bengals don’t give him the security he needs, there could be tension. Will he be able to run a trick route on Cincinnati’s front office or will they run one on him?