CINCINNATI — Tee Higgins didn’t want drama heading into the biggest season of his career.
That’s why he signed that $21.8 million franchise tag the day after minicamp ended in June. He made that much clear Wednesday as Bengals training camp opened on the Kettering Health Practice Fields outside Paycor Stadium.
Ja’Marr Chase isn’t so much concerned about the drama as he is trying to make his point that he wants a new deal done. While Mike Brown hinted Monday that it’s not looking like now is the right time for an extension, that didn’t keep Chase – presumably healthy and fine – from sitting out the first day of camp.
Two very gifted NFL receivers who have No. 1 receiver skillsets. Two different approaches.
Yes, Higgins sat out OTAs and mandatory minicamp but that’s totally understandable as he wasn’t under contract and had the right to not participate.
“Get all the drama out of the way honestly man I was just know a lot of talks going back and forth me and my agent,” Higgins said of his conversations with agent David Mulugheta. “Obviously there was no moves being made upstairs so pretty much new moves. That’s what it was and I was just like, I’m gonna go ahead and just sign it and just kill all the noise and just get everybody off my back.”
Chase is also savvy to the rules and attended the mandatory session in June before showing up Wednesday. Chase is playing this close to the vest, choosing not to speak to reporters until he’s ready to participate. That could come anyday or he might decide to hold out awhile, still participating in all meetings and off-the-field activities.
“We’ve had our discussions that I’ll keep private,” Joe Burrow said. “But his business is his business. He’s out here encouraging guys and I’m not entirely sure what his plan is at this point, but I know he’s with us 100 percent. When he’s ready to come back out there and practice, we’ll be ready to have him. And I know that he’s going to be physically and mentally ready. Whenever he steps back out here, he’s going to be the Ja’Marr Chase that everybody knows that he is.”
Higgins spoke like a man who was unburdened Wednesday, just happy to be getting ready for the season.
“I mean, I don’t have a choice but to be happy,” Higgins said. “If you’re not happy playing this game, then you’re gonna be miserable out there on the field.”
Certainly, his biggest fan thinks the world of him.
“Tee’s going to have a big year,” Burrow said. “It’s nice looking out there and seeing big, long and strong Tee lining up. I saw him out there and I screamed ‘Tee, it’s good to have you back’ on one of the reps (Wednesday). It’s just nice to see him back out there. He’s getting his feet back under him just like everybody is but he’s in a good spot.”
“Just get all the drama out of the way … kill all the noise” Tee Higgins on signing his franchise tag in June. pic.twitter.com/pNdRnSk1Om
— Mike Petraglia (@Trags) July 24, 2024
As for commentary from the media and fans?
“What people say on the outside, I really don’t care,” Higgins said. “So it’s just good to see not see my name on the headlines, Good to get it done. Just focus on myself.
“Obviously, after after a while when I requested a trade and nothing was happening, so obviously I knew what it was. It was gonna be locked down. So I just said ‘F it and sign it.’ And you know, I’m here man. No if, ands or buts about it. I’m here and I’ll be working.”
The focus now is for Higgins to work on being the best receiver in the Bengals offense and earn that nine-figure payday that is certainly in his future. And what he’d really like is to be wearing a Super Bowl ring when he signs that new deal, something he knows is in reach.
“For sure, man. Yeah, my whole my whole goal is just put myself in the best position to be successful and put myself in a position to help this team be successful and get to the big game and at the end of the year, and win it.”
OBSERVATIONS:
“Once he gets the offense down pat, guys are going to realize he’s a problem.” Tee Higgins on rookie Jermaine Burton pic.twitter.com/UGKsw1BgiZ
— Mike Petraglia (@Trags) July 24, 2024
Joe Burrow throwing with authority to Tee Higgins, Jermaine Burton, Andrei Iosivas with Ja’Marr Chase in attendance, but not participating Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/zLMO6ktwFm
— Mike Petraglia (@Trags) July 24, 2024
