This is not how things were supposed to go for the Cincinnati Bengals this NFL season. After posting back-to-back 12-win campaigns and making it to the Super Bowl and the AFC Championship Game, respectively, over the last two years, the Bengals entered 2023 with deservedly high expectations.
However, Cincinnati has gotten off to a 1-3 start with no positive end in sight. Quarterback Joe Burrow has been hampered with a pesky calf injury that he initially sustained back in training camp, and Cincy also has a brutal upcoming schedule that includes matchups with the San Francisco 49ers and Buffalo Bills over its next four games.
As a result of the Bengals’ early struggles, some have questioned if the club could potentially move wide receiver Tee Higgins ahead of the Oct. 31 NFL trade deadline.
NFL NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals & Arizona Cardinals Updates
Higgins will be a free agent after the season, and it has been reported that he likely does not factor into Cincinnati’s long-term plans. Could the Arizona Cardinals try to strike a deal for Higgins? Ryan Fowler of Bleacher Report poses the possibility.
Fowler cites that the Cardinals are projected to have over $50 million in cap space this coming offseason, so they would have more than enough money to re-sign Higgins. He also says that Higgins would instantly become Arizona’s No. 1 receiver for whoever starts at quarterback next season, whether that be Kyler Murray or someone else.
He proposes that the Cardinals send two 2024 draft picks (a second-rounder and a fifth) as well as a 2025 third-round pick to the Bengals in exchange for Higgins.
NFL NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals & Arizona Cardinals Updates
It makes sense for Cincinnati, as that would be quite a haul and allow them to possibly replace Higgins with another wideout in the draft come springtime.
Higgins has been relatively quiet through the first four weeks of the season, logging 12 catches for 129 yards and a couple of touchdowns.
