Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins has been a subject of relentless trade speculation this offseason because of talent that projects him as a No. 1 wide receiver on most other NFL teams.
One of the big things he consistently brings to the offense is his ability to win one-on-one matchups.
In a new ranking of the NFL’s best receivers against single coverage from Pro Football Focus’ Zach Tantillo, Higgins comes in fourth place:
With much of the attention on teammate Ja’Marr Chase, Higgins was able to see plenty of single coverage in 2022 — and he feasted. Along with ranking fourth in receiving grade against single coverage, Higgins ranked second in both passer rating when targeted (144.4) and touchdown receptions (7) on those one-on-one looks.
It says a lot about Higgins that he’s ranked only behind A.J. Brown, Tyreek Hill and Mike Williams, never mind in front of Stefon Diggs and others.
When they drafted Higgins in the second round, the Bengals were adamant that they viewed him as a first-round player. His ability to win these one-on-ones while defenses focus on Ja’Marr Chase has made a dramatic difference for the offense.
This is also why it’s near impossible to see the Bengals trading Higgins. He’s got one year left on his rookie deal, plus a tag year if necessary. Higgins himself has been adamant he doesn’t want to go anywhere else, and Chase has suggested Joe Burrow might take a team-friendly deal that allows the Bengals to keep the gang together on long-term extensions.
