According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, wide receiver Tee Higgins has formally requested a trade from the Cincinnati Bengals. Shedding light on the situation, ESPN’s Adam Schefter provided additional insights:
In February, the Bengals opted to apply the franchise tag to Higgins, thus preventing him from entering full free agency. If Higgins agrees to the one-year tender, he stands to earn a guaranteed $21.8 million for the 2024 season.
However, Schefter’s reporting suggests that Cincinnati may have had a trade scenario in mind when they tagged the 25-year-old receiver, especially considering the lack of progress on a contract extension.
RELATED: Anonymous Poll Reveals Significant Issue With the Bengals Locker Room
While it might be premature to anticipate a change in uniforms for Higgins, recent Bengals precedents, as noted by The Athletic’s Paul Dehner Jr., suggest the team may choose to call his bluff. After all, Higgins stands to lose significantly by forfeiting a substantial salary and sitting out a season.
Nevertheless, with Higgins openly expressing his desire to depart Cincinnati, it could pave the way for meaningful trade discussions between the Bengals and potential suitors. Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer highlighted the timing of Higgins’ request, which coincides with the commencement of the negotiating window between teams and free agents.
A potential trade is expected to come at a considerable cost, requiring a valuable asset or assets to be sent to the Bengals in exchange. Spotrac values Higgins at an annual rate of $18.6 million, further emphasizing the substantial investment involved.
Considering Higgins’ track record of averaging 63.5 receiving yards per game and tallying 24 touchdowns over four seasons, the potential trade presents an enticing proposition for teams willing to invest in his talent.
