NFL fans hype Tee Higgins' cryptic post as Bengals contract rumors loom: "Future Buffalo Bill" "He’ll be a Steeler"

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins and the team are at a crossroads, as the two sides haven't agreed on a new contract.

On Feb. 26, the Bengals placed the franchise tag on Higgins, avoiding him becoming a free agent this off-season.

Nine players were franchise-tagged this off-season. Of those nine players, eight came to an agreement with their respective teams on contract extensions. Only Higgins has yet to agree to a contract extension with the Bengals.

While waiting to land a new deal with the Bengals, Higgins posted a cryptic Instagram picture today, throwing a shot at the Bengals.

"I tell em no, they can’t wait to call me selfish…"

This came shortly after the Miami Dolphins gave wide receiver Jaylen Waddle a three-year $84.75 million deal, including $76 million guaranteed.

Following the cryptic post, fans speculate that Higgins could be traded.

"Future Buffalo Bill Tee Higgins," a fan wrote.

"Falcons pls trade for this man," one fan wrote.

"He wants to get out of there," another fan wrote.

The Bengals and Higgins have until July 15 to agree to a contract extension. If it isn't reached by then, he will have to play the 2024 season on the franchise tag.

While fans of other teams want him traded, Bengals fans seem frustrated that Higgins hasn't been signed yet. They know that Higgins' price will continue to rise each day as there are many wide receivers who are getting lucrative extensions.

Here's how other fans reacted:

"Seeming like he’ll be a Pittsburgh Steeler," a fan commented.

"Wish we could actually try and find a compromise. The fact that there’s not even a conversation being had is unreal to me. Guess the #Bengals made up their mind," one fan wrote.

"Can we just pay this guy already?" one fan questioned.

"It’s time for the Bengals to pay or trade the man," another fan wrote.

Is Tee Higgins worth being paid as a top-10 wide receiver in the NFL?

Tee Higgins left, speaks to Justin Jefferson after Minnesota Vikings v Cincinnati Bengals

It isn't quite clear how much money Tee Higgins is looking for, but it will be a lot.

Seeing that Miami Dolphins WR Jaylen Waddle got paid $28 million per year with his new contract today, and with the Detroit Lions giving Amon-Ra St. Brown a four-year $120 million contract, Higgins will very likely look to become one of the top-paid wide receivers in the NFL.

Currently, the top 10 highest-paid receivers make north of $23.3 million per season.

In his four seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, Higgins has had two 1,000-yard seasons as he's piled up 257 receptions for 3,684 yards and 24 touchdowns. He hasn't been selected to any Pro Bowls or All-Pro teams, but he's served as one of the best No. 2 wide receivers in the NFL.

Given how contracts work with players who are due extensions becoming some of the top-paid players in their positions, it makes sense for the Bengals to make Tee Higgins a top-10 highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL.

Of course, they still have to worry about Ja'Marr Chase's looming contract.