Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins has requested a trade, according to a report from Adam Schefter. The Bengals applied the franchise tag to Higgins earlier this offseason. Schefter's report indicates the two sides haven't engaged in long-term contract discussions.
Higgins is disappointed with that development, but it was always the expected outcome. The franchise tag fully guarantees Higgins $21.8 million for the 2024 campaign, but the 1,000-yard receiver is seeking a long-term financial commitment. That may not arrive in Cincinnati as the franchise is being careful with their money after signing quarterback Joe Burrow to a $300 million extension. A lucrative Ja'Marr Chase extension will soon follow.
The Bengals can't possibly give Higgins the extension he desires. A trade involving 2024 NFL Draft picks may satisfy all parties. We've swiftly identified three potential landing spots.
TENNESSEE TITANS
Higgins hails from Oak Ridge, Tennessee. He was an in-state football star who was twice named Tennessee Titans Mr. Football Award before embarking on a successful collegiate career at Clemson.
Other connections tie Higgins to the Titans. New head coach Brian Callahan has served as Higgins' offensive coordinator in Cincinnati for his entire career to date. Callahan and the Titans are desperately searching for another playmaking weapon at wide receiver that can play opposite DeAndre Hopkins for a season before replacing him as the eventual WR1. Higgins recorded back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons under Callahan in 2021 and 2022.
The Titans are making philosophical changes with Callahan planning to employ a pass-happy offense with Will Levis at the helm. Acquiring a familiar wideout like Higgins would ease the transition.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Would the Panthers consider swapping the No. 33 overall selection for Higgins? The expectation is that the Panthers are targeting a receiver with their first pick. Flipping their top-of-the-second-round choice in exchange for a proven commodity a la Higgins may prove to be a more fruitful strategy.
New head coach Dave Canales is searching for a go-to receiver to pair with Bryce Young as he embarks on his quest to improve Young's outlook. Canales worked with a vertical big-bodied Mike Evans in Tampa Bay. Higgins has a similar impact on an offense with his ability to stress opposing cornerbacks both at the catch point and vertically down the field. Higgins would immediately become Young's favorite target.
NEW YORK GIANTS
The Giants are another receiver-needy team that should quickly enter the Higgins sweepstakes. General manager Joe Schoen is entering free agency equipped with approximately $41 million in cap space according to Spotrac. That's the type of financial flexibility required to sign Higgins to a long-term extension.
A legitimate No. 1 wideout is needed in East Rutherford whether it's Daniel Jones or a rookie quarterback under center in 2024. The Giants' roster is flushed with depth receivers but lacks a true weapon that dictates coverage. Head coach Brian Daboll ran an effective offense in Buffalo when he had a player like Stefon Diggs to command attention. The Giants have seven picks, including three ranging from 39 to 70.
