The Cincinnati Bengals will almost certainly trade wide receiver Tee Higgins during the 2024 NFL Draft. Originally entering the league as a second-round pick, the Clemson product immediately proved his worth with a 900-yard season as a rookie before forming arguably the NFL’s best wide receiver duo with Ja’Marr Chase over the past three seasons.
The wide receiver was supposed to hit the open market following the 2023 season, but Cinncinati used the franchise tag to keep him around for one more year. However, rather than trying to extend him, recent reports indicate that the team has not even tried to negotiate a long-term deal. Tee Higgins requested a trade a month ago, but the Bengals have still done nothing for their homegrown star. Based on the organization’s actions, it’s safe to say the Tee Higgins Era is coming to a close in Cincinnati.
While multiple teams will be interested in having a player like Tee Higgins on their roster, but a surprise candidate is emerging in trade talks. According to Andrew Fillipponi, the Pittsburgh Steelers are doing their research on Higgins and could pursue the playmaking wideout.
Sources: The Steelers have had internal discussions about trading for Bengals WR Tee Higgins. They love the player. But there’s questions about acquisition cost and his next contract cost. Plus there’s the issue of the Bengals trading him in the AFC North. pic.twitter.com/i3yylwhYon
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) April 12, 2024
Pittsburgh Steelers Reportedly Considering Tee Higgins Trade
If division rivalries didn’t exist, the Pittsburgh Steelers would be a perfect trade destination for Tee Higgins. After trading away Diontae Johnson, the team needs a starting-caliber receiver to pair with George Pickens. While Pickens is no Ja’Marr Chase, these two could be a formidable duo, especially when paired with Russell Wilson. While he’s not the quarterback he once was, Wilson still possesses one of the better deep balls in the game, as evidenced by Courtland Sutton’s 10-touchdown season last year.
However, no matter what the Steelers offer in a trade, it’s hard to envision any world where the Bengals send Tee Higgins to Pittsburgh. Even though the receiver isn’t in Cincinnati’s long-term plans, they know he’s a good player and won’t want to face off against him twice a year.
Even if the Steelers probably won’t get him, several other teams should be interested in a Tee Higgins trade. While Brandon Aiyuk is the prize jewel of the trade market, Higgins is more than just a good consolation prize.
Possible Destinations
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers could load up on AFC North receivers with a Tee Higgins trade. After giving Bryce Young absolutely nothing to work with last year, the team has steadily improved the coaching, offensive line, and weapons. While the Alabama product now has a chance to succeed, Higgins could be the missing piece to bring out the best in the former first-overall pick.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers currently have the fifth-overall pick and, if they stay put, could use the selection on an elite wide receiver prospect like Marvin Harrison or Malik Nabers. However, if the Chargers trade back, they could send a pick to the Bengals for Tee Higgins. Los Angeles needs wide receivers in the worst way, and pairing a great quarterback like Justin Herbert with Higgins and a competent head coach in Jim Harbaugh could mean a surprise playoff birth in 2024.
New England Patriots
The Patriots will draft a quarterback with the third-overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and they should focus on putting him in a position to succeed. New England’s offense isn’t quite as talent-barren as the 2023 Carolina Panthers, but it’s not that far off. If they want their quarterback to have a better fate than Bryce Young, they’ll trade for Tee Higgins and give their potential franchise quarterback a legitimate target on the outside.
Kansas City Chiefs
Rashee Rice is in serious trouble and could face actual jail time for his role in the six-car crash in Texas. Even if he avoids prison, the NFL will certainly issue some form of discipline. Marquise Brown is a reliable deep threat, but this offense could use someone else to ensure Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore never see the field. Tee Higgins is a perfect fit, but would the Bengals ever trade a great weapon like him to one of their biggest AFC rivals?
Atlanta Falcons
You don’t sign a 35-year-old quarterback coming off an Achilles injury to a massive contract unless you plan on winning the Super Bowl in the next couple of years. Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Bijan Robinson are all promising young players, but a Tee Higgins trade could take this offense to the next level. With four above-average playmakers and a reliable quarterback, this offense could be one of the best in the NFL.
Main Photo: Sam Greene – USA Today Sports
