CINCINNATI (WKRC) – The Bengals have played 25 seasons in Paycor Stadium since it opened in 2000 and with that as the backdrop I am subjectively counting down the top 25 players to play for the team in that time frame.

The only criteria is the player must have played at least three seasons for the team this century and their performance with the team is the only thing considered, not performance with other teams either prior to, or after, playing for the Bengals.

An alphabetical list of 25 other players considered will be revealed when the top 5 are unveiled on July 17.

Here are players who are ranked No. 16 and No. 17 on the list with links to previous players revealed at the bottom:

No. 17: WR Tee Higgins

Years with Bengals: 2020-Present

The Skinny: Recorded at least 67 receptions and at least 900 yards in four of his five seasons despite missing 14 games due to injuries.

Had over 1,000 yards receiving in 2021 and 2022 and ranks fifth in franchise history in receiving yards per game (64.5).

Already ranks 12th in franchise history in receptions (330), 13th in receiving yards (4,595) and 11th in touchdown receptions (34).

No. 16: CB Leon Hall

Years with Bengals: 2007-15

The Skinny: He started 105 of 121 regular-season games he was healthy, including all 91 he was healthy from 2008-14, and also started all four playoff games he was heallthy.

Led the NFL in passes defensed with 24 in 2008 and also had 24 in 2009 when he was selected second team All-Pro. The 24 passes defensed is tied for the 11th most in a season in NFL history.

Recorded 26 regular-season interceptions with the team, which ranks fourth in franchise history, and also intercepted a pass in a 2012 playoff loss to the Houston Texans, which hereturned for a touchdown.

Intercepted three passes in a game at Cleveland on Dec. 21, 2008, which is tied for the most in a game in franchise history.

TOP 25 RELEASE SCHEDULE

June 30: Nos. 24-25July 1: Nos. 22-23July 2: Nos. 20-21July 3:Nos. 18-19July 4: Nos. 16-17July 7: Nos. 14-15July 8: Nos. 12-13July 9: Nos. 10-11July 10: Nos. 8-9July 11: Nos. 6-7July 17: Nos. 5-4-3-2-1 and list of 25 others who were considered