The Cincinnati Bengals entered the season as contenders, but a series of disastrous losses could force them to trade wide receiver Tee Higgins. A second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Clemson product teamed up with fellow 2020 selection Joe Burrow to form one of the league’s better receiver duos. With their forces combined, Higgins helped establish the Bengals as a legitimate threat in the AFC while playing an instrumental role in their 2021 postseason run.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. The salary cap exists so teams cannot keep all of their elite homegrown talents, and Higgins will be the odd man out in Cincinnati. Burrow already received a massive contract extension, and it’s only a matter of time before wide receiver Ja”Marr Chase receives a market-setting deal. The Bengals hoped to keep Tee Higgins around for one last run at a title, but thanks to their 3-5 record, they could trade him. This defense can’t stop anything and, barring a late-season hot streak, the Bengals won’t make the playoffs.
Let’s start with some disclaimers: Tee Higgins missed Week 8 with an injury, so he’ll need to prove he’s healthy before the Bengals trade him. Secondly, Burrow himself said that the playoffs aren’t out of reach, and Cincinnati won’t deal Higgins this week. However, if they lose in Week 9 to the Las Vegas Raiders, then Higgins could spend the rest of the 2024 season with the Kansas City Chiefs or Los Angeles Chargers.
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Chiefs, Chargers Could Trade For Bengals Tee Higgins
The Kansas City Chiefs already traded for DeAndre Hopkins, but the 32-year-old receiver is not a long-term fix for the Chiefs offense. While he can be a reliable second or third option, the former first-round pick lost a step and is no longer the same player who earned three First-Team All-Pro selections throughout his storied career. At 7-0, the Chiefs have the best record in football but aren’t as invincible as their record suggests. A Tee Higgins trade would give this team some much-needed ammunition in 2024 while also providing a long-term perimeter receiver for Patrick Mahomes.
Hopkins and free agent signee Marquise Brown are impending free agents and star tight end Travis Kelce isn’t getting any younger. Someone must step up as the future of this passing attack, and Higgins is the ideal choice for the job. First-round pick Xavier Worthy has had a few exciting plays, but the Texas product has yet to prove he be a consistent part of the passing attack. Second-round pick Rashee Rice, meanwhile, is a reliable option in the short and intermediate part of the field, but he’s not the same type of player as Higgins. If the Chiefs can trade and extend Tee Higgins, they could continue their dynasty for another few years.
More Help For Justin Herbert
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is healthy again and playing like his old self. In Week 8, the quarterback completed 20 of his 32 passing attempts for 279 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. This was more than enough to beat a hapless New Orleans Saints team, but the 4-3 Chargers need more help to overtake the elite teams in the AFC. Second-round pick Ladd McConkey looks like the real deal, but this offense could be unstoppable if Los Angeles executes a Tee Higgins trade.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh wants to win football games with a strong defense and reliable running attack. While those elements are crucial to sustained winning, you can’t do anything in today’s NFL if you can’t throw the ball. Los Angeles has an elite quarterback in Justin Herbert, and now it’s time to pair him with elite wepaons that can get the most out of his skillset. It’s probably too late to beat the Chiefs in the AFC West, but Los Angeles could comfortably secure a Wild Card spot if they trade for a legitimate outside threat like Tee Higgins.
Main Photo: Jeff Lange – USA Today Sports
