A Hidden Positive with Higgins Out

[SunsetBengal]

(11-09-2024, 12:27 PM)samhain Wrote: There's no way to argue that this season hasn't sucked.  

Even so, there's one thing that I think has been made pretty clear:  This offense does not need Tee Higgins to thrive.  Burrow has gone off for 2 straight weeks without him.  He's proven that he most certainly is what we thought he was, ie a truly elite QB1 that can make an offense out of lesser parts when he has to.  Chase had 250 plus and 3 tds vs the Ravens without Tee on the field to divert attention.  Tee has been available for a total of 4 games. The offense, with the exception of the NE game, has largely looked fine..

Could they have used him vs Philly?  No doubt.  Is he a necessity?  IDK anymore.

I think his departure is a disguised blessing.  It will force them to utilize the TE more effectively (which they have), and also put more emphasis on the run game (ugh.)

To summarize: Burrow and Chase are enough without Tee.  This offense isn't going to turn into a pumpkin while he misses half the games for another team while making 27 mil per or so in 2025.

I agree that continuing to have Tee Higgins on the team is more of a luxury than a necessity. They do, however need a strong and reliable WR2, and I don't think that he's currently on the roster. Sure, Gesicki fills a great role as a pass catching TE, the the team still needs a solid WR2. Iosivas is a physically talented player, but he's obviously not ready to be placed in a full time starting role. Burton may have monstrous physical talent, but for whatever reason, his cornbread ain't quite done in the middle.

Letting Tee go to save salary is completely acceptable, but they still have to fill that role with at least a decent player. I don't think that you can count on the draft, as there are other spots that could benefit the team in a greater capacity with a 1-2 round pick. That leaves free agency. With the way CFB has been pumping good WRs into the league for the past decade and a half, there should be someone suitable on the market this offseason at a reasonable rate.