With the NFL’s free agency moratorium close to beginning, the Cincinnati Bengals are a team that many people will be keeping an eye on. Not because they are going to be players in free agency, but because they could change a team’s plans.
Star wide receiver Tee Higgins, whom the Bengals placed the franchise tag on, has reportedly requested a trade from the team. With Mike Evans already signing a new contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Michael Pittman Jr. being franchise-tagged by the Indianapolis Colts, Tee Higgins is someone teams could turn their attention to.
While he has played the No. 2 receiver role behind Ja’Marr Chase the last three seasons, Tee Higgins profiles as someone who can handle a No. 1 role in an offense. He has the skill set to win at all three levels of the defense and be a major upgrade for several teams.
NFL News & Rumors: Tee Higgins, NFL Rumors, Cincinnati Bengals Updates
With his trade request going public earlier this morning, there are already teams emerging as potential trade suitors for him. According to MLFootball on X, the New England Patriots, Carolina Panthers and New York Giants have all been linked to Tee Higgins.
All three teams are in desperate need of an upgrade offensively in the passing game. The Patriots haven’t had a true No. 1 receiver in a long time and could use one with a rookie quarterback likely taking over their offense.
The Panthers traded a ton of assets to move up in the 2023 NFL Draft to select quarterback Bryce Young first overall but gave him a poor supporting cast. D.J. Moore was traded as part of the package to the Chicago Bears, leaving him without a No. 1 receiver.
NFL News & Rumors: Tee Higgins, NFL Rumors, Cincinnati Bengals Updates
The Giants haven’t had a No. 1 receiver to rely on since Odell Beckham Jr. They have their own quarterback issues with Daniel Jones, but regardless of who is under center for Big Blue in 2024 and beyond, they need a go-to receiver on the boundary.
All three teams would be excellent landing spots for Tee Higgins, who could blossom as a No. 1 receiver. But, it will be interesting to see the asking price and if they are willing to meet it. With several holes on each of their rosters, can they justify sending premium draft capital to the Bengals to get a deal done?
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