Hendrickson, Higgins, and Chase

[BigKen]

Higgins also fired his past agent, and brought in a new one because he's willing to take a bit less to stay.

He hired Chase's agent. He ain't lookin' for less money and isn't going to take less for a long stretch to stay in Cincinnati. Would you take less to stay at your job if the guy 12 miles further away offered you a 40% increase???

Patriots aren't going to win the SB next year, but that big wad of cash can make being on an also ran a hell of a lot more comfortable.

That and a team willing to deal a player never holds the upper hand in negotiating session. Once a player is offered, his value starts to diminish, especially a WR that hasn't played 16 games in a season over the past three years.

They are saying that Garrett's market might be fair for what some analyst suggest Minnesota/Detroit trades might look like.

I been watching the NFL weekly since 1956 and in my opinion, the only guys worth two firsts and two thirds are quarterbacks, not 30 year old defensive linemen. I'd put up my IRA against that ANALyst's yearly salary that he's not even within a crotch hair with that guess. I don't give a rat's ass how good they were last year. They're a falling guy away from an achilles or ACL tear or worse. an MCL during a hitch to change direction. Legs have been taking a beating since high school and just don't have the stability.

 

[Cincyfan78]

He hired Chase's agent. He ain't lookin' for less money and isn't going to take less for a long stretch to stay in Cincinnati. Would you take less to stay at your job if the guy 12 miles further away offered you a 40% increase???

Patriots aren't going to win the SB next year, but that big wad of cash can make being on an also ran a hell of a lot more comfortable.

That and a team willing to deal a player never holds the upper hand in negotiating session. Once a player is offered, his value starts to diminish, especially a WR that hasn't played 16 games in a season over the past three years.

I been watching the NFL weekly since 1956 and in my opinion, the only guys worth two firsts and two thirds are quarterbacks, not 30 year old defensive linemen. I'd put up my IRA against that ANALyst's yearly salary that he's not even within a crotch hair with that guess. I don't give a rat's ass how good they were last year. They're a falling guy away from an achilles or ACL tear or worse. an MCL during a hitch to change direction. Legs have been taking a beating since high school and just don't have the stability.

If he wants to stay with the Bengals, and he does, he's going to accept less than he'll get on the open market. That's just a fact.

A player is worth whatever the market says they are worth. You may not agree with the trade compensation, but as Crash pointed out - there are already talks with Garrett, who is pretty much the same player, and using the design that sent multiple draft picks for a DE last year.

Any player is always just an injury away. I hate that approach. It's sports. Guys get hurt. It's one thing if they have an injury history, but to date Trey does not. Higgins on the other hand...which is why I suggest taking a gander at the X link I posted - it is very insightful regarding Tee and his compensation expectations with regards to the market plus his history.

Would I stay at my job for 40% less? Well, no probably not - but Higgins isn't taking 40% less...that silly. On the market he's probably around 32-33M. If he stays with the Bengals, he's probably around 28M. We're talking 4M - and you get to stay with Burrow, Chase and win, or go to NE and suck. $4M isn't worth that.

In all honesty this doesn't come down to the players. I think they've all said what they are, and are not, willing to do...it's just a matter of the Bengals getting it done.

 

[cincygrad]

He hired Chase's agent. He ain't lookin' for less money and isn't going to take less for a long stretch to stay in Cincinnati. Would you take less to stay at your job if the guy 12 miles further away offered you a 40% increase???

Patriots aren't going to win the SB next year, but that big wad of cash can make being on an also ran a hell of a lot more comfortable.

That and a team willing to deal a player never holds the upper hand in negotiating session. Once a player is offered, his value starts to diminish, especially a WR that hasn't played 16 games in a season over the past three years.

I been watching the NFL weekly since 1956 and in my opinion, the only guys worth two firsts and two thirds are quarterbacks, not 30 year old defensive linemen. I'd put up my IRA against that ANALyst's yearly salary that he's not even within a crotch hair with that guess. I don't give a rat's ass how good they were last year. They're a falling guy away from an achilles or ACL tear or worse. an MCL during a hitch to change direction. Legs have been taking a beating since high school and just don't have the stability.

One of the big issues is timing. By using the tag, the Bengals can continue to negotiate into the summer. At some point, franchises that would normally target Tee will have to move on and spend their money on other assets. Tee would certainly do better on the open market as an unrestricted free agent than he will given that he is saddled with the tag. Even under a sign and trade deal, the team dealing for Tee will want a discount relative to what they would have given up for an unrestricted free agent. It might seem unfair to the player, but these are the rules in the CBA.

 

[DanBengalfan]

Tee Higgins: contract expires in a few weeks.
Hendrichson: UFA in 2026
Chase: UFA in 2026
Higgins: expires in a few weeks. Franchise tag until 3/2026.

....

It sucks, but the Bengals might just wait and see how everything is working out before commiting big bucks beyond the franchise tag.

 

[Cincyfan78]

Tee Higgins: contract expires in a few weeks.
Hendrichson: UFA in 2026
Chase: UFA in 2026
Higgins: expires in a few weeks. Franchise tag until 3/2026.

....

It sucks, but the Bengals might just wait and see how everything is working out before commiting big bucks beyond the franchise tag.

I don't think Higgins will play 1 second under the tag. He will either be signed long-term, or traded.

Trey could be a real threat to sit-out as well...if Higgins is still under the tag, you could then get Higgins to sit out...now you're down 2 of your top 10 players...maybe top 5. Is that a game you really want to play if you're the Bengals. They do a lot of dumb shit, we know this - but even they have to realize that Higgins is either getting signed, or traded prior to the draft. There is no middle ground here.

 

[CrashDavisSports]

He hired Chase's agent. He ain't lookin' for less money and isn't going to take less for a long stretch to stay in Cincinnati. Would you take less to stay at your job if the guy 12 miles further away offered you a 40% increase???

Patriots aren't going to win the SB next year, but that big wad of cash can make being on an also ran a hell of a lot more comfortable.

That and a team willing to deal a player never holds the upper hand in negotiating session. Once a player is offered, his value starts to diminish, especially a WR that hasn't played 16 games in a season over the past three years.

I been watching the NFL weekly since 1956 and in my opinion, the only guys worth two firsts and two thirds are quarterbacks, not 30 year old defensive linemen. I'd put up my IRA against that ANALyst's yearly salary that he's not even within a crotch hair with that guess. I don't give a rat's ass how good they were last year. They're a falling guy away from an achilles or ACL tear or worse. an MCL during a hitch to change direction. Legs have been taking a beating since high school and just don't have the stability.

Value is in the eye of the beholder.

Let's hypothetically say it is Detroit that trades for him.

They are giving up two firsts, two thirds, and with how they have played, those two 1st's are 2 early seconds, and 2 early 4ths. Then, they are trading with Cleveland, which means that 2nd coming back can also be considered a late 1st and late 4th.

So now you have to use the draft value chart to see what you are actually getting out of that. Two first's from Cleveland versus 2 firsts from Detroit are not fair market value my friend.

Now consider Detroit, they are in their window right this minute, they have their QB, WR, RB, great offensive line and some solid defensive players that went through a ton of injury last year. A player like Garrett along side Hutchinson pushes opposing offenses to their breaking point trying to keep up with that Detroit offense with Hutchinson, Garrett and DJ Reader coming at you all game long.

Detroit has never been to the SB, they therefore have never won it. They h ave the best team assembled in their franchise history right this minute, and draft capital that equates to early 2nds and 4ths for a difference maker.

It is at this point that a DE can assuredly be worth that draft capital! Trading that for a QB can also fall upon injury as well, because you just never know. So you take chances when your window is open. Something I hope the Bengals do before this all falls apart. These contracts suck for the Brown family, but it is their best opportunity to push for gold as well. If it all falls apart, as Cincy78 said the other day, more ammo for them to say these contracts never work out, we are not doing them again, and they can go back to being a cheap ass franchise with nothing to play for and no one watching them.

They are not in that boat yet, but this offseason will dictate which direction they want to go to their fans.

 

[BigKen]

It's being reported that the Patriots and Raiders have agreed to a draft trade. #4 for #6 and #68.

Who the hell knows what's really going on anywhere???

 

[CrashDavisSports]

It's being reported that the Patriots and Raiders have agreed to a draft trade. #4 for #6 and #68.

Who the hell knows what's really going on anywhere???

I wonder what Las Vegas thinks they are getting a chance for in that position?

2 - QB's will be drafted, Ward and Sanders

Which means, is LV playing for Carter or Hunter, or do they care?

 

[DanBengalfan]

It's being reported that the Patriots and Raiders have agreed to a draft trade. #4 for #6 and #68.

Who the hell knows what's really going on anywhere???

welcome to the Bengals board, we're old as f* around here.

 

[cincygrad]

It's being reported that the Patriots and Raiders have agreed to a draft trade. #4 for #6 and #68.

Who the hell knows what's really going on anywhere???

The Patriots would be wise to stock up on assets by moving down. They have their QB - And at 4, it's unclear that any of the other non-QB players in the draft are true top 5 talents (with the exception of Abdul who will likely be gone before 4).

 

[Cincyfan78]

The Patriots would be wise to stock up on assets by moving down. They have their QB - And at 4, it's unclear that any of the other non-QB players in the draft are true top 5 talents (with the exception of Abdul who will likely be gone before 4).

You have to figure that Hunter, Ward, Sanders, and Abdul will go 1-2-3-4. Though, I could see Sanders dropping. Quite honestly - I'm not super high on him. I think he could be good in time...but he's got a lot of questions to answer. Arm is solid enough, but something like 70% of his passes were 3-yards or less. If you take away those, and the ones where he scrambles for 10 seconds because the B12 has crappy defenses...you are left with a very small amount of actual pocket passes to review video on, and not all of that is going to be good.

If I'm Tenn, I'm between Hunter and Ward. I could see where it might go Ward, Hunter, Abdul...but yeah, I think when you have so many holes to fill, you can still get really good help at 8, 10, and 12 ranges...move back, gain more picks...stock pile.

 

[CrashDavisSports]

You have to figure that Hunter, Ward, Sanders, and Abdul will go 1-2-3-4. Though, I could see Sanders dropping. Quite honestly - I'm not super high on him. I think he could be good in time...but he's got a lot of questions to answer. Arm is solid enough, but something like 70% of his passes were 3-yards or less. If you take away those, and the ones where he scrambles for 10 seconds because the B12 has crappy defenses...you are left with a very small amount of actual pocket passes to review video on, and not all of that is going to be good.

If I'm Tenn, I'm between Hunter and Ward. I could see where it might go Ward, Hunter, Abdul...but yeah, I think when you have so many holes to fill, you can still get really good help at 8, 10, and 12 ranges...move back, gain more picks...stock pile.

I only like Ward in this years QB class. Even then, I think he is still a decent project and needs a good supporting cast. If I am Tennessee, I take Ward and start building up the oline and get a couple weapons for him to throw to.

 

[cincygrad]

You have to figure that Hunter, Ward, Sanders, and Abdul will go 1-2-3-4. Though, I could see Sanders dropping. Quite honestly - I'm not super high on him. I think he could be good in time...but he's got a lot of questions to answer. Arm is solid enough, but something like 70% of his passes were 3-yards or less. If you take away those, and the ones where he scrambles for 10 seconds because the B12 has crappy defenses...you are left with a very small amount of actual pocket passes to review video on, and not all of that is going to be good.

If I'm Tenn, I'm between Hunter and Ward. I could see where it might go Ward, Hunter, Abdul...but yeah, I think when you have so many holes to fill, you can still get really good help at 8, 10, and 12 ranges...move back, gain more picks...stock pile.

It's definitely a class that you don't feel bad about not being in the top 10. The two quarterbacks will go in the top 5 because they always do. Frankly, I haven't seen enough of Ward to know anything about him. Sanders is interesting because you would assume Deion's kid would be some sort of rare athlete. But honestly, as you mention he doesn't have a big arm, but he does have some intangibles that will work at the next level and nobody has ever seen him play with real talent.

 

[Cincyfan78]

It's definitely a class that you don't feel bad about not being in the top 10. The two quarterbacks will go in the top 5 because they always do. Frankly, I haven't seen enough of Ward to know anything about him. Sanders is interesting because you would assume Deion's kid would be some sort of rare athlete. But honestly, as you mention he doesn't have a big arm, but he does have some intangibles that will work at the next level and nobody has ever seen him play with real talent.

I agree with all but the "real talent" part - have you seen his WR corps? Ridiculously good. Hunter, Horn Jr, and others. Their WR's were really, really good, IMO. Which is why you can get away with 70% of your passes being 3 yards or less, because they were taking those passes and turning them into big plays.

Honestly - If I'm Tenn...I might pass on all the QB's, sign a veteran F/A - and start building for when you can land a big QB, either by draft or by F/A. You better be IN LOVE with whoever you take at 1 for a QB, otherwise...trade, trade, trade. Stockpile and build.

 

[cincygrad]

I agree with all but the "real talent" part - have you seen his WR corps? Ridiculously good. Hunter, Horn Jr, and others. Their WR's were really, really good, IMO. Which is why you can get away with 70% of your passes being 3 yards or less, because they were taking those passes and turning them into big plays.

Honestly - If I'm Tenn...I might pass on all the QB's, sign a veteran F/A - and start building for when you can land a big QB, either by draft or by F/A. You better be IN LOVE with whoever you take at 1 for a QB, otherwise...trade, trade, trade. Stockpile and build.

Calahan was given high marks for his work with quarterbacks at various stops. Clearly he does not like working with Wil Levis. I would assume since they stuck with Cally this offseason they plan to let him get a QB that he chooses and maybe that means he takes Cam Ward. Though, I agree that they have so many issues that drafting a QB might not help much.

 

[DanBengalfan]

 

[Cincyfan78]

Calahan was given high marks for his work with quarterbacks at various stops. Clearly he does not like working with Wil Levis. I would assume since they stuck with Cally this offseason they plan to let him get a QB that he chooses and maybe that means he takes Cam Ward. Though, I agree that they have so many issues that drafting a QB might not help much.

I'm just a big believer in building up the team around the QB 1st, and then getting your QB. I'm also a believer that if your are not absolutely in love with a QB with that 1st pick - do not draft them. Don't draft a QB because you "need" one, and the only guy worth the #1 pick is a QB or etc...etc...

I like Ward, I think he'll be a fine QB in the NFL. I think Sanders has some upside, but might take a bit longer - we'll see. Regardless...there are so many holes that outside of landing your absolute "Love" of QB - you are just better off stock piling and building as much as you can around a F/A QB and then working to land a QB you really like down the road.

If you take a QB here, you are pretty much stuck with that guy for at least 3 years..why do that on a guy you don't love.

 

[CrashDavisSports]

There have been talks that the Cowboys are considering trading Parsons. That would sure shore up our DE position. Parsons and Hendrickson? It would take a lot, but I am thinking Tee Higgins, 1st rounder this year, 2nd and 3rd rounder next year.

It would be expensive having both Parson's and Hendrickson, along with Burrow and Chase, but....we are giving up Tee's contract, and I think we can swing those other contracts. We just may be playing with a little less in other areas.

Granted, I am not really sure that the Cowboys would trade Parsons, and I am not sure what the asking price is, but I saw a crazy trade idea for Higgins earlier today that suggested the Jags would give up their 5th overall pick for Higgins to pair him with Lawrence, Etienne, and Higgins. Saying that if this occured, the Bengals would focus that pick on Higgin's replacement with McMillan.

That is why I think Higgins, a 1st a 2nd and a 3rd could be enough for Parsons. That would give the Cowboys a dangerous duo in Lamb and Higgins., it would also give them #12 and #17 in the draft this year, and an extra 2nd and 3rd next year. Our window is right now, so let's make a move that can put us over the top.

Plus, Parson's spent the end of the season singing Burrow's praises and insisting he was the MVP of the league, that there was no more value player to his team than Burrow.

 

[Cincyfan78]

There have been talks that the Cowboys are considering trading Parsons. That would sure shore up our DE position. Parsons and Hendrickson? It would take a lot, but I am thinking Tee Higgins, 1st rounder this year, 2nd and 3rd rounder next year.

It would be expensive having both Parson's and Hendrickson, along with Burrow and Chase, but....we are giving up Tee's contract, and I think we can swing those other contracts. We just may be playing with a little less in other areas.

Granted, I am not really sure that the Cowboys would trade Parsons, and I am not sure what the asking price is, but I saw a crazy trade idea for Higgins earlier today that suggested the Jags would give up their 5th overall pick for Higgins to pair him with Lawrence, Etienne, and Higgins. Saying that if this occured, the Bengals would focus that pick on Higgin's replacement with McMillan.

That is why I think Higgins, a 1st a 2nd and a 3rd could be enough for Parsons. That would give the Cowboys a dangerous duo in Lamb and Higgins., it would also give them #12 and #17 in the draft this year, and an extra 2nd and 3rd next year. Our window is right now, so let's make a move that can put us over the top.

Plus, Parson's spent the end of the season singing Burrow's praises and insisting he was the MVP of the league, that there was no more value player to his team than Burrow.

You'd have to consider how the Cowboys have used Parsons and if that's even a fit for what Golden does. Parsons is a guy that they've moved all over, from LB, to end, to rush DT at times (IIRC, but could be wrong here)...Not sure that is something Golden does.

That being said - I think I'd keep Tee, pay Trey, and focus on drafting a DT/DE in rounds 1-3. They can also hedge a bit by re-signing Ossai, who finished the last 7 games with 5 sacks once they finally removed Hubbard from the starting lineup and actually played other guys more snaps. Not saying they should bank on Ossai being a 7-9 sack guy, but if you can get him back for a reasonable price, he's still only 25 and you can still draft a guy in the early rounds to pair as a backup to Myles and be ready for a really good rotation at both spots.

 

[Cincyfan78]

Also, FWIW, the Bengals still have so many holes to fill - trading away picks isn't the prudent thing to do. They need help at backup OT, IOL both starting and backup, DE/DT/LB/S/WR....i mean....if they are going to pay guys, they are going to have to draft - trading away those picks makes it even harder to fill those spots with contract controlled guys for 3-5 years.