The Cincinnati Bengals used the franchise tag on Tee Higgins in a move that could signal a trade. Since entering the NFL back in 2020, Higgins has proven himself to be one of the more reliable receivers in the league. The former second-round pick has two seasons with over 1,000 yards in his four-year career and has found ways to be productive with and without Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase. While he has been in a good situation as a professional, he has the talent to be the top wideout in most offenses.
This is likely why the Bengals used the franchise tag on the 6′-4″, 219-pound wideout. You can never have too many good receivers in today’s pass-happy NFL, and Cincinnati was never going to let him walk for nothing. In a vacuum, using the franchise tag doesn’t mean anything, but there is one part of this story that heavily implies the Bengals are looking to trade Tee Higgins, rather than come to terms on a new contract.
The franchise tag window opened on February 20th, and teams have until March 5th to use the tag on whichever player they like. Historically speaking, most teams like to wait until the last possible second to use the tag so they can maximize their negotiation window. The Bengals didn’t do this, and it could be because they know they’re far more likely to trade Tee Higgins than extend him.
A Tee Higgins Trade Could Be Coming Soon
By using the franchise tag now, the Cincinnati Bengals have effectively told the rest of the league that they’re nowhere close to extending their star wideout. After all, if the two sides were close to a deal, then why would Cincinnati bother with the tag if they didn’t have to? Since they can’t extend him, it stands to reason that the team will trade Tee Higgins.
Additionally, Cincinnati’s salary cap situation also makes a Tee Higgins trade possible. Seeing as Higgins has not officially signed his franchise tag, the Bengals currently have $74.3 million in cap space. That’s a huge amount of financial freedom, and Cincinnati could afford to keep Higgins for one more season. However, with Joe Burrow’s cap hit set to rise and Ja’Marr Chase set to earn a major payday, this team might not have the long-term financial stability to sign Higgins.
The Bengals can also receive a strong return in a Tee Higgins trade. While the Clemson product is no Jerry Rice, he is still a starting-caliber receiver in a league that doesn’t have enough good talent to go around.
Possible Destinations
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are easily the most likely team to trade for Tee Higgins. After a disastrous 2-15 season where everything that could go wrong did go wrong, first-year head coach Dave Canales will have his hands full trying to turn this team around. The first step in the rebuild is trying to save Bryce Young, who had a terrible rookie season in an even worse environment. Higgins would easily be the best receiver on this team, and his ability to win on the outside meshes well with the player Young was in college. If the Panthers can get him for the 33rd pick, they should consider it.
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots will have a new quarterback next year, and if they want that guy to succeed, they’ll need to improve their weapons. Demario Douglas was the only guy who looked like he belonged on a football field last year, and he’s not the type of guy who can carry a passing attack. Adding Tee Higgins via trade will give New England’s next quarterback a real opportunity to succeed, especially if the team also uses its $86.8 million in cap space to bolster the offensive line.
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals played well last year with a rusty Kyler Murray under center, and Jonathan Gannon could turn this ship around in 2024. However, if they want to do that, they’ll first need to find an adequate replacement for DeAndre Hopkins. Tee Higgins has a similar play style, and the Cardinals could easily trade one of their picks for his services. After all, the Cardinals have a league-best six picks in the top 100, so they can afford to deal one for a proven veteran.
New York Giants
Daniel Jones cannot singlehandedly drag a team to a winning record, but he is good enough to support a talented roster. Unfortunately, the New York Giants have one of the least talented offenses in the league. That could easily change with a Tee Higgins trade, as the current Bengal would easily be the best receiver on the roster. If Jones still can’t succeed with Higgins catching the ball, then it’s time to look for a new quarterback.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs have every reason to want to trade for Tee Higgins. Now going for a three-peat, the Chiefs need to find a reliable outside wide receiver. However, it’s hard to imagine a world where the contending Bengals ever give Higgins to their biggest obstacle in the AFC. Perhaps if the Chiefs wildly outbid everyone else, Cincinnati will pull the trigger, but it would take a major overpay for this deal to happen.
Main Photo: Sam Greene – USA Today Sports
