Former Clemson Tiger Tee Higgins requested a trade from the Cincinnati Bengals, and the reason is now evident.

The franchise tag was placed on the four-year wide receiver and contract negotiations never progr4essed to keep him a Bengal. According to a report from Cincinnati.com, it never even reached the high mark of many top-tier NFL receivers.

The Bengals never approached the $20 million range for Higgins, sources told The Enquirer. Due to the original offer Cincinnati’s front office gave Higgins for his annual salary, the two sides never advanced to the next round of conversations which would have been about guaranteed money, sources also confirmed to The Enquirer. Any speculation that Higgins and his representation are asking for a specific amount of guaranteed money from the Bengals is not accurate.

Higgins apparently requested somewhere around Colts receiver Michael Pittman Jr.’s contract. He’s making $70 million over three seasons. When you look at the stats, it’s odd that negotiations never approached that total.

Over four seasons, Pittman has 3,662 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns. Higgins has 3,684 yards and 24 touchdowns while playing in less games. If that doesn’t make him eligible for that contract, what will?

There’s one caveat and that’s health. Higgins played in 12 games last season, but it’s nothing that will linger into 2024. Given his track record, Higgins could earn a massive payday that could dwarf that initial request.

Keep in mind receivers like Justin Jefferson and teammate Ja’Marr Chase are approaching extensions. The price keeps going up and Higgins’ betting on himself could pay off big.

Photo courtesy of Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports