The wide receiver trade market has already seen several significant moves, with stars like Davante Adams, Amari Cooper, and DeAndre Hopkins now off the market. However, as the trade deadline approaches, other wide receivers are generating interest, including Tee Higgins, who is playing under the franchise tag in 2024. According to Jason La Canfora of the Washington Post, teams are reaching out to the Bengals regarding Higgins, but it’s widely believed that Cincinnati is unlikely to approve a trade.
Unlike other franchise tag recipients from 2024, who have all signed extensions with their teams, Higgins remains the exception. Throughout the offseason, negotiations between Higgins and the Bengals did not progress toward a new contract. The Bengals focused on securing extensions in 2023, yet their attempts did not reach an average of $20 million per season.
The wide receiver market has recently seen substantial financial increases, and at just 25 years old, Higgins stands to gain significantly as a free agent. With Ja’Marr Chase still seeking a long-term deal—despite discussions prior to the regular season that failed to yield an agreement—Higgins could easily command a higher value than the Bengals are willing to offer. Chase, who is currently leading the NFL in receiving yards, may soon become the league’s highest-paid receiver on his next contract.
Higgins missed some time last season due to injury, and a hamstring issue delayed his debut this year. So far in 2024, he has accumulated 341 yards and three touchdowns. His continued productivity alongside Chase will be crucial for the Bengals as they aim for a playoff spot; after starting the season 0-3, they have rallied to a 3-5 record. While this may prompt a seller’s strategy leading up to the upcoming trade deadline, it would be surprising if Higgins were genuinely available.
Any contending team would likely see Higgins as both a short-term rental and a long-term investment for their passing game. Teams like the Jets, Bills, and Chiefs have already made notable additions, but several others could still make a move in the days ahead.
