Roster Moves: Jaguars Contract Proposal Reunites $61.8 Million Wideout With Former Teammate
Tee Higgins, a wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals, has requested a trade this offseason. In this aspect, the Jacksonville Jaguars should step in and reconcile him with his old comrade Trevor Lawrence.
Higgins broke into the limelight in 2020, when the Cincinnati Bengals selected him in the second round of the NFL Draft. The former Clemson great had an early impact, tying the Bengals rookie record of 67 receptions and finished third among all rookie receivers with 908 yards.
In 2021, Higgins advanced to become a prominent target for quarterback Joe Burrow. However, his 2022 season was plagued by a chronic hamstring injury, resulting in career lows in receptions, yards, and touchdowns.
Despite the setback, the Bengals remain committed to Higgins, placing the franchise tag on him earlier this year. He re-signed with Cincinnati on a one-year deal, positioning him for a bounce-back season in 2024.
With Ja’Marr Chase drawing significant defensive attention, Higgins is poised to thrive as the Bengals’ WR2 and continue his upward trajectory. If he can stay healthy, the 24-year-old has the talent to cement his status as one of the league’s premier young wide receivers.
Tee Higgins Identified As Possible Trade Target For Jacksonville Jaguars
If Cincinnati considers dealing Higgins, they may look into the Jaguars as an alternative. In a post for Bleacher Report, Kristopher Knox explained why Jacksonville should reconsider this move.
Adding a receiver of Higgins’ caliber might assist optimize quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who recently signed a hefty five-year, $275 million contract extension.
In four professional seasons, Higgins has 257 catches, 3,684 yards, and 24 touchdowns. He played alongside Lawrence at Clemson before joining the NFL.
And the idea of a reunion seems to appeal to Lawrence.
“So many factors are at play, but of course, that’s a guy I played with, we have great chemistry, and he’s a great player,” he told Yahoo Sports (h/t Adam Stites of Jags Wire). “I would not be upset at all if he came to Jacksonville.”
The Jaguars should actively pursue this reunion in the hopes that Lawrence will justify his big contract. Higgins’ final season at Clemson saw him catch 59 receptions for 1,167 yards and 13 touchdowns, according to Knox.
Reuniting the two in Jacksonville will undoubtedly be a cause for celebration for Jaguars supporters. As it stands, this hypothetical move might help the squad improve its 9-8 record in 2023-24.
