Jason LaCanfora: Pats really want Higgins "He's going to New England"

[PatsFan2]

Yep.

If Higgins has the stones, he can have his agent tell teams that he will not negotiate a new deal if he is tagged. Tank his own trade value. Tell them if he is tagged then he will not sign the tag and will sit out of camp and the first 11 weeks of the regular season, play the minimum number of games to qualify for an earned year, and then hit free agency next year.

By tanking his own trade value to basically nothing, withholding any playing value in 2025 from the Bengals, and also still holding $26M+ of their cap space hostage, he could force them to just not tag him at all.

$26Mill for him on a tag is not the end of the world: Higgins is coming out rosey either way.

 

[Love The Drake]

$26Mill for him on tag is not the end of the world: Higgins is coming out rosey either way.

Draft picks are a premium,
There are some really good prospects at wr the first few rounds.
I’d rather trade next years second than this year if that’s what are are looking at.
I’d pivot to Metcalf, or Olave.

 

[PatsFan2]

Draft picks are a premium,
There are some really good prospects at wr the first few rounds.
I’d rather trade next years second than this year if that’s what are are looking at.
I’d pivot to Metcalf, or Olave.

Not with our WR luck in the Second...Metcalf would rather Washington and Daniels: Olave have Concussing issues. Stop getting so wrapped up with the pick: Tee Higgins is something which we won't get for nothing.

 

[PatsFan2]

Draft picks are a premium,
There are some really good prospects at wr the first few rounds.
I’d rather trade next years second than this year if that’s what are are looking at.
I’d pivot to Metcalf, or Olave.

Also IF we Trade #4 you have to think another Second Rounder is coming so there.

 

[Lansdowne]

Not with our WR luck in the Second...Metcalf would rather Washington and Daniels: Olave have Concussing issues. Stop getting so wrapped up with the pick: Tee Higgins is something which we won't get for nothing.

You’re not factoring in that the Pats would need to set the WR market with a contract extension, making Higgins the highest paid WR in the NFL, on top of giving up the 38th overall pick. I like Tee Higgins and I want him here but that is simply bad process. If we’re talking about a truly elite, top 2 in the NFL guy like his teammate Ja’Marr Chase, then I’d understand paying top of the market plus premium picks. But that’s not Higgins. He’s not even top 10 in the NFL. I’d rather the Pats try their luck at drafting another WR at that spot (Tre Harris perhaps) than give it up plus $30+ million per year for a player who may be the answer for us or may be another Peerless Price. Higgins made nearly $32 million total over the last 5 seasons. That contract would be worth the 2nd round pick, not the contract he’d be commanding as a free agent. You pay less in draft capital for players that are more expensive contract wise unless he is a truly special talent, in which case that player rarely even is available for trade. Thankfully I don’t see this scenario ever playing out. The Pats won’t be reckless enough to do that.

 

[PatsFan2]

You’re not factoring in that the Pats would need to set the WR market with a contract extension, making Higgins the highest paid WR in the NFL, on top of giving up the 38th overall pick. I like Tee Higgins and I want him here but that is simply bad process. If we’re talking about a truly elite, top 2 in the NFL guy like his teammate Ja’Marr Chase, then I’d understand paying top of the market plus premium picks. But that’s not Higgins. He’s not even top 10 in the NFL. I’d rather the Pats try their luck at drafting another WR at that spot (Tre Harris perhaps) than give it up plus $30+ million per year for a player who may be the answer for us or may be another Peerless Price. Thankfully I don’t see this scenario ever playing out. The Pats won’t be reckless enough to do that.

Keep trying the save the Krafts $$$$$$ hope that gets' you a purple heart.

 

[Lansdowne]

Keep trying the save the Krafts $$$$$$ hope that gets' you a purple heart.

Respectfully you’re being too simple-minded about this. The salary cap exists and there’s more than one roster spot that needs to be accounted for. Spending wisely is just as important as spending generously. Throwing away draft picks in hypothetical trades just because you don’t trust this team to draft anyone worthwhile is simple-minded thinking. Splurging on one player without a long term approach is how you end up like the Saints down the line.

That 38th overall pick could be a difference maker on the roster and at an afforable price. That means you can spread the money elsewhere on the roster, take more chances on free agents, etc. I’m for spending top of the market for Higgins because that’s what it’d take to get him, but giving up a 2nd on top of it is not smart. I’m sorry you don’t see it that way.

 

[XLIX]

Yep.

If Higgins has the stones, he can have his agent tell teams that he will not negotiate a new deal if he is tagged. Tank his own trade value. Tell them if he is tagged then he will not sign the tag and will sit out of camp and the first 11 weeks of the regular season, play the minimum number of games to qualify for an earned year, and then hit free agency next year.

By tanking his own trade value to basically nothing, withholding any playing value in 2025 from the Bengals, and also still holding $26M+ of their cap space hostage, he could force them to just not tag him at all.

It isn't a matter of "stones" it is a matter of him losing tens of millions of dollars if he follows the above roadmap.

He would seriously damage his value on the free agency market if he did that. Likely to the tune of tens of millions of dollars. Not to mention the roughly $15 million he would lose this year.

Last guy I can think of that did the above was Le'Veon Bell. It ended up being an absolute 100% disaster for him.

 

[signbabybrady]

It means that Tee Higgins is calling the Bengals liars when the Bengals state they are negotiating with him in good faith.

I think you're right. Cap = fake. Assumption then being he's saying it to respond to Cincy and not goofing off about something else.

Or maybe just following the Drake rumors on the 90s blues.

 

[PatsFan2]

You’re not factoring in that the Pats would need to set the WR market with a contract extension, making Higgins the highest paid WR in the NFL, on top of giving up the 38th overall pick. I like Tee Higgins and I want him here but that is simply bad process. If we’re talking about a truly elite, top 2 in the NFL guy like his teammate Ja’Marr Chase, then I’d understand paying top of the market plus premium picks. But that’s not Higgins. He’s not even top 10 in the NFL. I’d rather the Pats try their luck at drafting another WR at that spot (Tre Harris perhaps) than give it up plus $30+ million per year for a player who may be the answer for us or may be another Peerless Price. Higgins made nearly $32 million total over the last 5 seasons. That contract would be worth the 2nd round pick, not the contract he’d be commanding as a free agent. You pay less in draft capital for players that are more expensive contract wise unless he is a truly special talent, in which case that player rarely even is available for trade. Thankfully I don’t see this scenario ever playing out. The Pats won’t be reckless enough to do that.

FTR: Tee Higgins is my number one Target but I wouldn't mind a combination of Deebo/Slayton or Cooper Kupp/ Slayton if we don't get Higgins. I mean Tee Higgins is 6'4 with very Good catch radius: just turned 26 what's not to like??

Tee Higgins Career Stats - NFL - ESPN

Complete career NFL stats for Cincinnati Bengals Wide Receiver Tee Higgins on ESPN. Includes scoring, rushing, defensive and receiving stats.

www.espn.com

 

[XLIX]

I think you're right. Cap = fake. Assumption then being he's saying it to respond to Cincy and not goofing off about something else.

Or maybe just following the Drake rumors on the 90s blues.

Well, the irony is that if they sign him to a new deal, his 2025 cap number will be significantly lower than it would otherwise be on the franchise tag. They save cap money today, but kick the can down the road a bit.

 

[Love The Drake]

Vh

FTR: Tee Higgins is my number one Target but I wouldn't mind a combination of Deebo/Slayton or Cooper Kupp/ Slayton if we don't get Higgins. I mean Tee Higgins is 6'4 with very Good catch radius: just turned 26 what's not to like??

Tee Higgins Career Stats - NFL - ESPN

Complete career NFL stats for Cincinnati Bengals Wide Receiver Tee Higgins on ESPN. Includes scoring, rushing, defensive and receiving stats.

www.espn.com

Draft pick compensation and money.

 

[Love The Drake]

Well, the irony is that if they sign him to a new deal, his 2025 cap number will be significantly lower than it would otherwise be on the franchise tag. They save cap money today, but kick the can down the road a bit.

Very true.

Maybe he doesn’t want to be in Chases shadow?

 

[PatsFan2]

Respectfully you’re being too simple-minded about this. The salary cap exists and there’s more than one roster spot that needs to be accounted for. Spending wisely is just as important as spending generously. Throwing away draft picks in hypothetical trades just because you don’t trust this team to draft anyone worthwhile is simple-minded thinking. Splurging on one player without a long term approach is how you end up like the Saints down the line.

That 38th overall pick could be a difference maker on the roster and at an afforable price. That means you can spread the money elsewhere on the roster, take more chances on free agents, etc. I’m for spending top of the market for Higgins because that’s what it’d take to get him, but giving up a 2nd on top of it is not smart. I’m sorry you don’t see it that way.

I'm playing the percentages of us hitting or missing on a Second Round Wide Receiver. *Obviously I fear the latter* I know if Josh McDaniels have a say: I am sure he's saying get Tee Higgins by any means necessary.

 

[Lansdowne]

FTR: Tee Higgins is my number one Target but I wouldn't mind a combination of Deebo/Slayton or Cooper Kupp/ Slayton if we don't get Higgins. I mean Tee Higgins is 6'4 with very Good catch radius: just turned 26 what's not to like??

Tee Higgins Career Stats - NFL - ESPN

Complete career NFL stats for Cincinnati Bengals Wide Receiver Tee Higgins on ESPN. Includes scoring, rushing, defensive and receiving stats.

www.espn.com

I love Higgins and would be over the moon if we got him. Even if the team has to overspend salary wise. It’s rare for a guy his age with his production to be available. But I’m hoping it happens without the franchise tag. If he’s tagged then I don’t want to reward the Bengals for making it harder for us to get him. They get no better than a 4th rounder from me. That’s what the Pats paid for a still-in-his-prime Randy Moss, and he was a better WR.

DK Metcalf is on my wish list, as is Cooper Kupp. Darius Slayton would be nice in the Z receiver role. I’m out on Deebo Samuel though, I think he’s more of a gadget player than a true WR and not a fit for what this team needs most. I’m with you in wanting most of these guys here.

 

[signbabybrady]

Well, the irony is that if they sign him to a new deal, his 2025 cap number will be significantly lower than it would otherwise be on the franchise tag. They save cap money today, but kick the can down the road a bit.

Lol I didn't mean salary cap = fake.

The word cap is slang for fake.

But yes they can probably find a way to maneuver the salary cap and make it fit but the question is should they? And what it might prevent them from doing in other areas of their team.

 

[PatsFan2]

Draft pick compensation and money.

Like we don't have both: let's give our Young Franchise QB $h!ty WR's to throw to: probably something would stick. You guys don't get how $hitty our WR's are we were ranked next to the bottom. We had one of the Worst Offense in the NFL it won't get better with mediocre Players.

 

[SlowGettingUp]

The word cap is slang for fake.

Or maybe he's saying his team is using their cap space as an excuse for why they can't give him a good deal on the extension.
Why blue I have no idea.

 

[signbabybrady]

I love Higgins and would be over the moon if we got him. Even if the team has to overspend salary wise. It’s rare for a guy his age with his production to be available. But I’m hoping it happens without the franchise tag. If he’s tagged then I don’t want to reward the Bengals for making it harder for us to get him. They get no better than a 4th rounder from me. That’s what the Pats paid for a still-in-his-prime Randy Moss, and he was a better WR.

DK Metcalf is on my wish list, as is Cooper Kupp. Darius Slayton would be nice in the Z receiver role. I’m out on Deebo Samuel though, I think he’s more of a gadget player than a true WR and not a fit for what this team needs most. I’m with you in wanting most of these guys here.

I was just suggesting something similar to my brother yesterday. If the Bengals choose to tag and trade him then the compensation shrinks. They will be forced to act quickly or tie up a large chunk of cash and like you said I'm not giving up a 1 to bail them out of their mess. A 4 might be a little low though. I think the 2 we got for Cassell when we pulled a similar move makes sense.

 

[PatsFan2]

I love Higgins and would be over the moon if we got him. Even if the team has to overspend salary wise. It’s rare for a guy his age with his production to be available. But I’m hoping it happens without the franchise tag. If he’s tagged then I don’t want to reward the Bengals for making it harder for us to get him. They get no better than a 4th rounder from me. That’s what the Pats paid for a still-in-his-prime Randy Moss, and he was a better WR.

DK Metcalf is on my wish list, as is Cooper Kupp. Darius Slayton would be nice in the Z receiver role. I’m out on Deebo Samuel though, I think he’s more of a gadget player than a true WR and not a fit for what this team needs most. I’m with you in wanting most of these guys here.

I hear DK Metcalf is eyeing Daniels in Washington. I am sure if given the chance he aint choosing us over them.