While Tee Higgins put up numbers during Week 5 of his fifth season in Cincinnati, his days in a Bengals uniform may be numbered.
After the Bengals applied the franchise tag on Higgins in February, he requested a trade because he and his representation couldn't reach an agreement on a long-term contract extension with the franchise.
Higgins signed the one-year franchise tender in July, reported for camp and, after missing the team's first two games due to a hamstring injury, made his season debut in Week 3. As Higgins continues to play out his one-year contract, the question of whether or not he'll be moved remains.
Through five weeks, the Bengals are 1-4 and their season appears to be going nowhere fast. With the threat of Higgins walking for nothing in the offseason, trade talks could soon ramp up.
Here are the latest on rumors surrounding Higgins' future in Cincinnati.
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Tee Higgins trade rumors tracker
Chiefs worth 'keeping an eye on' ahead of trade deadline
Date: Oct. 5
Source: The Athletic's Diana Russini
As the two-time defending Super Bowl champions look to replace the production of injured WR Rashee Rice, Russini suggests that Higgins is a name worth monitoring.
Given Kansas City's standing as Cincinnati's AFC foe, the notion may seem far-fetched, but if the Chiefs find a way to piece together a worthy offer, the Bengals may have to consider it.
Tee Higgins refutes speculation of faking injury under the franchise tag
Date: Sept. 12
Source: Tee Higgins to ESPN
After suffering a hamstring injury near the end of preseason, Higgins was unable to play at the beginning of the season, stirring up speculation he was faking his ailment due to disappointment with his contract situation. He quickly refutes such speculation.
"I just don't understand why fans think I'm faking an injury, when for me to get an extension for a contract, the deadline is over," Higgins said. "I just don't understand why they think I'm faking an injury. It doesn't make sense to me."
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Tee Higgins signs franchise tender with Bengals
Date: June 17
Source: Cincinnati Bengals
After months of discussion and speculation following Higgins' trade request, the Bengals announce they have signed the former second-round pick to a one-year contract.
Bengals 'enthused' for Tee Higgins to be a part of future plans
Date: April 4
Source: The Athletic's Paul Dehner, Jr.
Ahead of the NFL Draft, The Athletic explored the various options facing the Bengals. With Higgins' trade request still fresh on the minds of everyone, it's reported that Cincinnati's vision for its short- and long-term future includes Higgins.
Tee Higgins requests a trade from the Bengals
Date: March 11
Source: Adam Schefter, ESPN
Schefter reports that Higgins' disappointment in a lack of long-term contract extension talks prompted a trade request.
"He's ready to move on to a new home," writes Schefter.
