The Cincinnati Bengals are entering one of their most significant offseasons in franchise history, with the opportunity to re-sign or extend Tee Higgins, Ja’Marr Chase, and Trey Hendrickson, as well as seek a few key free agents, all before the draft. However, whether they will or not is another story.
Higgins isn’t certain to play another snap
It’s clear that Chase is their top priority, but Higgins isn’t certain to play another snap for the Bengals, no matter how much he wants to. If that happens, one wide receiver they could look to fill the vacuum he leaves behind is Deebo Samuel.
Samuel reportedly requested a trade out of the Bay Area, but The Athletic’s Matt Barrows believes the Niners may release him instead. According to rumors, Samuels is out of shape, and the 29-year-old wide receiver, who is coming off a disappointing season, is unlikely to command a high trade value. As a result, it is more likely that he has been released.
He’d be a step down from Higgins, who is three years younger and has 12 more career receiving touchdowns and nearly as many yards, but Samuel isn’t a slouch and is just as dangerous out of the backfield as he is as a wide receiver.
Joe Burrow doesn’t necessary need another WR1 on the field
Besides, when Ja’Marr Chase is on the other side of the field, taking so much of the defense’s attention, Joe Burrow doesn’t necessary need another WR1 on the field. He simply requires someone capable of getting open in single coverage who he can trust. Samuel meets the bill, and if he costs less than Higgins, the Bengals may be able to pursue other free agents more aggressively.
From 2019 to 2025, Samuel has 334 receptions for 4,792 yards and 22 touchdowns, in addition to 202 carries for 1,143 yards and 20 scores. Higgins has 330 receptions, 4,595 yards, and 34 touchdowns in one fewer season.
Again, Samuel does not contribute as much to the Bengals’ offense as Higgins does, but if the Bengals decide they cannot or will not re-sign him, they might do worse than Samuel.
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