Bengals WR has doubts about whether Tee Higgins will return

Can the Cincinnati Bengals pay Tee Higgins? One of their own players has his doubts about whether the wide receiver will be a long-term option for the team.

Andrei Iosivas, a 2023 Bengals draft pick, raised the point when discussing his potentially larger role in the offense in 2024. Iosivas noted that he is trying to gain confidence ahead of an expanded role, partly because he is skeptical about Higgins coming back.

“I’m hoping I can get the confidence from the coaches,” Iosivas said, via Ben Baby of ESPN. “I’m not sure if they can pay Tee. He’ll probably get a lot of money. He’s a really good receiver. Hopefully I can step into that role.”

The Bengals definitely have to keep one eye on their finances as they navigate the offseason. Higgins received the franchise tag this offseason, but is not happy with that and is expressing his displeasure. Standout defensive lineman Trey Hendrickson has also asked for either a trade or a new contract.

The Bengals do have a little bit more than $23 million in cap space, so they can make things happen, but Higgins’ status is clearly up in the air either way.