Tee Higgins requests trade after Cincinnati Bengals shut him out of contract talks: 5 ideal landing spots

Credit: Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

Since becoming the 33rd overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Tee Higgins has enjoyed a very successful career with the Cincinnati Bengals. In his four NFL seasons, Higgins has racked up 3,684 yards and 24 touchdowns, a respectable average of 921 receiving yards per season.

But now, as he heads into the final year of his rookie contract, Higgins has requested a trade from the Bengals. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Bengals have not discussed a potential extension with Higgins for over a year now, which has surely fueled the 25-year-old’s frustration.

Now that Higgins has requested a trade, which teams make the most sense to land the 6-foot-4, 219-pound receiver? Here are five ideal landing spots for Higgins.

Carolina Panthers: Without a first-round pick, the Panthers know they have a big challenge ahead of them in the 2024 NFL Draft. While the Panthers could secure a high-upside receiver with the 33rd overall pick, Higgins removes all doubt as a proven talent who’s ready to help Carolina win now. Keep in mind, the Panthers also boast the 39th pick, so it’s possible they could add two receivers, one veteran like Higgins, and one rookie with potential.

Arizona Cardinals: Expected to make Marvin Harrison Jr. the fourth overall pick, the Cardinals have a desperate need to upgrade their receiving corps. Adding MHJ will help, but Kyler Murray needs more than one player he can rely on. Pairing Harrison with Higgins would give the Cardinals two big playmakers who can do damage all over the field.

Tennessee Titans: New Titans head coach Brian Callahan is the only offensive coordinator Tee Higgins has ever played for. While Tennessee has upgraded their group of pass-catchers by adding vets such as DeAndre Hopkins and Calvin Ridley, completing the effort with Higgins would be a great way to ensure Will Levis has all the talent he needs to succeed.

New York Giants: While draft rumors will try and fool fans into thinking the Giants want a QB, their biggest need is at receiver. If the Giants can add a smaller speedster like Malik Nabers with the sixth overall pick, pairing the electric athlete with a chain-moving big target like Higgins could immediately provide Daniel Jones an unexpected boost next season.

Buffalo Bills: Even if Bills GM Brandon Beane wants us to think otherwise, the Bills need to upgrade their receiving corps, and there’s no guarantee it happens during the NFL Draft. However, if the Bills want to ensure Josh Allen faces little to no dropoff after trading Stefon Diggs, pivoting to a true red zone threat like Higgins could make a lot of sense, where he’d immediately be the No. 1 WR.