When questioned about the upcoming free-agent receiver on Tuesday at the Reese’s Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, Tobin’s tone was noticeably different.

According to Cincinnati Enquirer reporter Kelsey Conway, Tobin stated, “Tee Higgins was under contract with us last year.” “We selected him as a draft pick specifically to help us out. Since he isn’t currently under contract, we will need to figure out how to achieve that and, if it’s feasible, go through the necessary formalities. Thus, the situation has changed from the previous year. I never really think about trading a high-level player who is under contract just in case the future calls for it.

The wideout can be extended on a long-term contract by the Bengals, which is their typical option (though it hasn’t historically been close, according to reports). The franchise will tag Higgins for almost $22 million; when he plays out the season, they will reevaluate in 2025. Trade Higgins to a team in need of wide receivers and tag him to a lucrative contract. Alternatively, just let him enter free agency with no expectations of payment (the Bengals have so much cap space that it’s possible they’d sign enough free agents to offset any compensatory selection lost from losing Tee).

Tobin remarked, “We’ll see what happens this year.” “I desire Tee Higgins’ return. Tee Higgins’ return would be appreciated by all members of our team.. Once more, there is only one pie, and we will have to decide how big a slice it takes and what else we are unable to accomplish as a result.

Ja’Marr Chase, who is also due for a contract extension this offseason, is the other major ball in the air. Cincy will have to pay Chase, and the top of the receiver market is $30+ million per season, whether it is now or next year.

Tobin has to decide if it makes sense to spend $50 million a season on the wide receiver corps or if he will let Higgins depart in the hopes of selecting a suitable replacement in the draft.