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Trade Options the Bengals Should explore for Tee Higgins

By Patrick HolleronJune 20, 2024
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After months of uncertainty, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins has officially signed a one year deal with the Cincinnati Bengals. Here are some potential trades that the Bengals should consider for Higgins.

 

 

Green Bay Packers

 

Cincinnati Bengals receive: WR Christian Watson, 2025 second-round pick 

 

Green Bay Packers receive: WR Tee Higgins

 

The Green Bay Packers are looking to build off last season's shocking playoff run that saw them establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the NFC. Adding Higgins would further bolster the Packers young, exciting offense.

 

The Packers have a nice plethora of wideouts with Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, and Dontayvion Wicks, but none of them appear to be a true alpha that can take over late in games. Higgins would do just that and more, becoming the true No.1 option Green Bay lacks in the passing game. 

 

Jordan Love made great strides in his first as the starting quarterback and one of the only real faults he had was trying to find a go to option in tight, one possession games. Higgins gives Love a much-needed security blanket while also creating more opportunities for the Packers other receivers.

 

This trade would see the Packers moving on from Watson who the team envisioned being the type of receiver they are trading for. Watson has shown lots of potential but has been hampered by hamstring injuries in his first 2 seasons. Green Bay would also send a 2025-second round pick to convince the Bengals to part ways with Higgins. 

 

For Cincinnati adding a young, high upside receiver who is still on his rookie deal to pair with Chase along with a second-round pick in next year's draft is an ideal return for Higgins. When healthy Watson has shown he is capable of being an explosive weapon in the passing game, accumulating 14 touchdowns since entering the league. Health is a cause for concern here, but perhaps a change of scenery and usage as a consistent second option for Joe Burrow is what Watson needs to fully realize his potential.

 

 

Detroit Lions

 

Cincinnati Bengals receive: WR Jameson Williams, 2025-second round pick

 

Detroit Lions receive: WR Tee Higgins

 

After seeing their playoff run end just short of a super bowl berth, the Detroit Lions are determined to get over the hump. Trading for Higgins would help the Lions truly go all-in to deliver the franchise its first Lombardi trophy. 

 

The Lions offense is loaded with playmakers such as Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta, and Jahmyr Gibbs. However, outside of St. Brown they lack consistent options at the wide receiver position. Having Higgins provides Jared Goff with another explosive option at receiver.

 

Last year the Lions No.2 wide receiver was Josh Reynolds who signed with the DENVER BRONCOS back in March. Reynolds made some big plays but is infamously remembered for his two dropped passes in the NFC championship that some fans believe cost them the game.

 

The Bengals would receive compensation that mirrors the previous trade for Higgins. Jameson Williams gives them a former first-round pick who was highly touted coming out of college. Unfortunately, he has been dealing with injuries since being drafted and was suspended during the Lions first 4 games last season due to violating the NFL’s gambling policy. 

 

They would also get Detroit's 2025 second-round pick. Given that Cincinnati doesn’t have many options to replace Higgins currently on the roster, taking a flier on Williams and landing a high draft pick is a solid return.

 

 

Denver Broncos

 

Cincinnati Bengals receive: WR Courtland Sutton, 2025 fourth-round pick

 

Denver Broncos receive: WR Tee Higgins

 

 

This trade is essentially a swap of wide receiver contract disputes with Courtland Sutton being dealt for Higgins. The Denver Broncos are changing things up in Sean Payton's second season as head coach, moving on from Russell Wilson at quarterback. 

 

This leads to Bo Nix likely being the new starter for Denver in his rookie season. Giving him a reliable, big-time playmaker to throw to will go a long way in his development. 

 

Sutton has been productive during his time in the Mile High city, but Higgins is younger and a better fit for the team's current timeline. The Broncos other receivers are Troy Franklin, Tim Patrick, Marvin Mims, and as mentioned earlier Reynolds. Out of the group Franklin is the one who is the most reliable since he played with Nix at Oregon. 

 

Reynolds is a decent option, but not a true game changer. Mims didn't get much playing time last year and when he was on the field looked like a raw prospect. In the case of Patrick, he hasn't played in an NFL game in 2 years due to season ending leg injuries that occurred during in previous offseason practices.

 

Getting Sutton to replace Higgins is a blessing for the Bengals who caught 59 passes for 772 yards and 10 touchdowns. Like Higgins, Cincinnati would have to pay Sutton, who is seeking an extension. Extending Sutton would be somewhat of a risk given that he is 28 years old, hasn't had a 1,000-yard season since 2019, and has dealt with injuries.

 

With that said his lack of production is partially due to inconsistent quarterback play. Having Burrow at quarterback would more than likely solve that concern.These factors would likely make the price to keep him lower and more manageable with the new deal Chase is likely to receive. Getting a fourth-round pick and a proven veteran wide receiver for Higgins is something the Bengals would happily settle for.