As the NFL offseason heats up, questions are swirling about the future of the Cincinnati Bengals, especially regarding the status of their star wide receiver, Tee Higgins. While much of the attention has been on quarterback Joe Burrow and the team’s championship aspirations, another significant storyline is emerging: can the Bengals afford to lose Higgins, and what does it mean for the future of their offense?

Tee Higgins’ Crucial Role in the Bengals’ Offense

Tee Higgins has been one of the most consistent and dynamic receivers for the Bengals since he was drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Alongside Ja’Marr Chase, Higgins has formed one of the most dangerous wide receiver duos in the league. His ability to stretch the field, create mismatches, and make clutch catches has made him a key component of the Bengals’ high-powered offense.

However, with the Bengals facing some financial constraints as they look to lock up star players like Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase to long-term deals, Higgins’ future in Cincinnati has come into question. With his contract set to expire after the 2023 season, many are wondering whether the Bengals can keep him around long enough to maintain their offensive potency or if they will be forced to part ways.

The Pressure of Financial Decisions: Caleb Williams vs. Ben Johnson

The Bengals’ front office is currently under significant pressure to make difficult decisions. With Burrow set to command a massive contract extension, Cincinnati’s ability to build around him will be tested. The team must make smart financial decisions to ensure they remain competitive while navigating the challenges of a tight salary cap.

In this situation, the Bengals may have to choose between keeping key players like Higgins or bolstering other areas of their team. Enter the potential influence of Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson, both of whom could play roles in shaping the Bengals’ future.

Caleb Williams, the highly touted quarterback out of USC, is widely regarded as one of the top prospects for the 2024 NFL Draft. Although the Bengals aren’t in need of a quarterback given the presence of Joe Burrow, Williams could be part of a trade discussion if the Bengals decide to move on from other players to make room financially for Burrow and Chase. While unlikely, this hypothetical move could shake up the Bengals’ financial landscape.

On the other hand, Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, has received attention for his impressive work in developing the Lions’ offense. If the Bengals were to lose Higgins, Johnson could be a potential hire to help develop a new set of weapons to keep the offense clicking. Johnson’s ability to scheme players into favorable positions could mitigate the loss of Higgins by relying more on emerging talent or adjusting the playbook to take advantage of the current roster.

The Impact of Losing Tee Higgins

Losing Tee Higgins would undoubtedly be a blow to the Bengals’ offense, but it’s not the end of their Super Bowl hopes. The team still has a dynamic playmaker in Ja’Marr Chase, and the receiving corps would likely shift to feature him even more prominently. Additionally, the Bengals could look to the draft or free agency to find a capable replacement for Higgins.

However, replacing a player of Higgins’ caliber is no easy task. His size, ability to win contested catches, and deep-threat potential make him a unique weapon for Burrow. The Bengals would need to find a way to ensure their offense doesn’t become too reliant on Chase, which could lead to defenses keying in on him and limiting his effectiveness.

Can the Bengals Afford to Lose Higgins?

The financial question surrounding Higgins is a tough one. He will likely command a significant contract on the open market, especially given his strong performances in recent seasons. The Bengals are known for being cautious with their spending, especially when it comes to free agency, so it’s not out of the question that they might choose to let Higgins walk if they can’t come to a reasonable contract agreement.

However, if the Bengals do lose Higgins, they will face a dilemma in trying to maintain their offensive balance. While Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase will remain the cornerstones of the offense, losing a receiver like Higgins could force the team to adjust their offensive philosophy. This could include relying more on the run game or elevating other players like Tyler Boyd or any potential draft picks.

What’s Next for the Bengals?

With the Bengals staring down the possibility of losing Tee Higgins, the pressure is mounting on both the front office and head coach Zac Taylor to make the right decisions. The future of the offense could look very different without Higgins, but there’s still hope that the team will find a way to retain him.

In the meantime, the Bengals must focus on maintaining their competitive window with Burrow at the helm. Whether they can keep Higgins or make a bold move to adjust their roster, one thing is certain: the pressure is on to remain a Super Bowl contender, and every decision made in the coming months will have a massive impact on the team’s future.

As the offseason unfolds, the Bengals will have to balance the delicate task of paying their stars while maintaining enough cap space to build a team capable of chasing a championship. Can they keep Tee Higgins? Only time will tell. But one thing is for sure—losing him would be a significant blow, and the Bengals must navigate this challenging decision wisely.