8 hours ago
(9 hours ago)George Cantstandya Wrote: Yes I am well aware that nothing is preventing Higgins from taking offers from other teams and signing an offer with said team if Bengals refuse to match the offer. In which case the Bengals would received two first round draft picks. I've explained that in other threads several times when that was brought up. What I'm saying is the Bengals can't trade Higgins right now because he hasn't signed his tender and is technically not under contract. What I added is I'm not even sure if the Bengals are allowed to enter into trade negotiations for Higgins right now because he can't legally be traded until he signs his tender. You will note I did say that perhaps they could be having some behind the scenes discussion about a sign and trade.
Well of course Higgins cant be traded since he isnt under contract. My point earlier was if he agreed to a deal with New England, the Bengals could agree to a deal with New England to a lesser compensation than 2 1st round draft picks. Would Tee first need to sign with the Bengals then the Bengals trade Tee or would the Bengals simply need to agree to a deal with Tee's new team and transfer Tee's rights to New England since Tee would be signing with the Patriots? I dont know the exact method this happens but at some point the Bengals would have to be able to negotiate a deal without Tee being under contract. It wouldnt make much sense if a tagged player like Higgins wanted to sign to another team but the Bengals wouldnt be able to negotiate with that team until Higgins was signed. That would be forcing the player to sign the franchise tag before any negotiations could be done which would only hurt the player.
