So are the expectations when it comes to extending the contract of Burrow, arguably the most popular Bengal ever. But on a day Tobin quoted The Office’s Kevin Malone (“I make no predictions”), he and Taylor talked more generalities than specifics.

“We’re all sitting here what If’-ing,” Tobin said.

Other than shooting down the psychedelic Higgins trade rumors, the ones Taylor says he laughed off.

“Whenever you see the rumors flying around out there it’s nonsense,” said Taylor of his two-time 1,000-yard receiver. “I do get to call the plays and it’s fun having weapons out there and you don’t really want to give those up.”

On paper, with two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase looking at gargantuan money next year, the thinking is to move Higgins for a ton of value. But for the Bengals, who like having two No. 1s, that is spit-balling.

“Tee is an exceptional football player. I envision him being a part of what we’re doing going forward for a long time. That’s the hope. We want our guys, especially our guys who come in, to prove that they can help us win in a big way,” Tobin said. “I’m not in the business of making other teams better. I’m in the business of making the Cincinnati Bengals better. That’s not on my mind. They want a receiver, go find your own. In my opinion, Tee Higgins is a good piece for the Cincinnati Bengals. So the trade stuff is a little ridiculous right now.”

What is not ridiculous is they’d love to get Burrow’s monstrous deal done “sooner rather than later.” And they say they have an idea what it is going to look like while indicating they could get other things done first in the hopes they can get an extension that allows them to keep enough of the nucleus to become the first AFC North team to win three straight division titles.

“We’re not going to rush the process,” said Tobin, who believes Burrow not only sees the whole field, but also the entire business model.

“I think Joe understands better than most people. That’s what makes him a great player,” Tobin said. “Joe sees the big picture. Not only after he takes the snap from the center but when he’s walking around the locker room and going to practice. Working out in the offseason. Joe sees the big picture. That’s what makes him great.