Cincinnati Bengals softening stance on Tee Higgins trade, one team linked to offer

Playing a key role in a high-powered offense, Tee Higgins has become one of the Cincinnati Bengals’ most valuable assets. After four productive seasons, now Higgins was supposed to have his chance at reaching free agency this offseason, but the Bengals applied the franchise tag to their star receiver instead.

Now Higgins is set to make $21.8 million if he signs the offer and stays in Cincinnati, but he’d much prefer to sign a bigger contract that offers more long-term financial security. Yet, the Bengals, who also have Ja’Marr Chase’s contract extension on their mind, haven’t been able to find common ground in their negotiations with Higgins’ agent.

The situation has spiraled out of control to the point where Higgins has requested a trade, and there’s a belief that the Bengals may be willing to listen to outside offers. Here’s ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler with the latest Higgins trade update via Saturday’s SportsCenter appearance

“He wants out, he has made the trade request. I talked to a few teams who are interested who believe that the Bengals are at least willing to listen. That’s a little softer than they might have been a year ago where they definitely were not trading him. So, teams are going to try to pry him out. New England’s been high-end shopping for receiver help, perhaps they try to give up a Day 2 pick to get Higgins.”
Jeremy Fowler on Tee Higgins trade rumors

The Patriots have been linked to trades for a veteran receiver, and if the Bengals are willing to listen, Tee Higgins is one of the best players available. If New England is locked in on selecting a quarterback with the third pick, then sending the 34th overall pick for a 6-foot-4 proven playmaker like Higgins would make a lot of sense.

For the Bengals, getting the second pick on Day 2 of the NFL Draft could be valuable too, and might even offer a strong chance to replace what they lost by trading Higgins, if it comes down to it.