A Tee Higgins Trade That the Bengals Would Realistically Consider

What would it take for Cincinnati to trade the star wide receiver?

Author:
James Rapien
Publish date:
Mar 4, 2024 7:34 AM EST

In this story:

CINCINNATI — The Bengals placed the franchise tag on Tee Higgins last week, making it clear that they're comfortable paying him $21.8 million for the 2024 season.

Joe Burrow wants Higgins on the roster, the team knows how valuable he is on offense and yet a long-term deal appears unlikely. That has led to speculation about a potential trade.

Let's start with a simple question: Would the Bengals trade Higgins?

The answer is much more complicated, but he certainly isn't untouchable. If he was, then there would be more optimism about a contract extension.

Instead, it feels like the tag could give Burrow, Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase one last shot at winning a Lombardi Trophy before Higgins leaves in free agency next offseason.

OK, so a trade isn't likely, but it could happen. What would it take for the Bengals to say "yes" to a deal involving one of their best players?

There's been plenty of speculation about what the Bengals would get in a trade for Higgins. Some believe it's a late first round pick. Others think it's a second and a fourth rounder.

The Bengals view Higgins as a game changing player. They would want the ability to replace him with another game changer.

Cincinnati will likely keep Higgins this season, but if they did deal him, a trade up scenario makes the most sense.

Packaging the 25-year-old with the No. 18 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft for a top nine pick makes a ton of sense.

The Patriots (No. 3), Cardinals (No. 4), Giants (No. 6), Titans (No. 7) and Bears (No. 9) would be potential targets.

If the Bengals could turn the No. 18 pick and Higgins' $21.8 million cap hit into Marvin Harrison Jr., Rome Odunze or Malik Nabers, they should absolutely do it.

Any of the three would be a great compliment to Ja'Marr Chase and under team control for the next five years.

A team like the Titans may want to add a proven NFL wide receiver that has experience in Brian Callahan's offense. Higgins could be their No. 1 option. They would still have a first round pick and could afford to pay the Tennessee native with Will Levis on a rookie contract.

The seventh overall pick is worth 1500 points on the trade value chart. The No. 18 pick is worth 900. Assuming Higgins is worth an early second round pick, the value lines up. The Bengals may need to throw in a fifth rounder in that scenario, but it wouldn't be another major piece.

Obviously it would take more to move up to No. 3, 4 or No. 6, but the point remains. If the Bengals are going to trade Higgins, they're going to do it with the realistic hope of replacing him with another game changing player.

That doesn't mean they'd take a wide receiver if they did move into the top 10. Maybe they'd go after Notre Dame tackle Joe Alt. Maybe they think one of the other linemen is worth a top selection.

A Higgins trade is unlikely, but the Bengals would have to consider it if they could put themselves in position to land a top player (and maybe top weapon) in the 2024 NFL Draft.

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