With most of the big-name free agent wide receivers already signed to new deals, look for the trade market to heat up in the coming days. While Brandon Aiyuk might be the top trade option available, Tee Higgins is more than just a consolation prize. Since entering the league, the Clemson product has established himself as one of the more reliable perimeter threats and contested catch specialists in the league. While injuries limited him to just 12 games last year, the wide receiver showed just how dangerous he could be in 2021 and 2022.
Appearing in 28 games over those two seasons, Higgins finished with a combined 148 receptions for 2,120 yards and 13 touchdowns on 219 targets. This put him on a 17-game pace of 1,201 yards and seven touchdowns. These numbers are impressive on their own, but it’s even more notable when you consider Higgins has shared targets with superstar Ja’Marr Chase. If he were the top option in the offense, he could easily put up better numbers.
Tee Higgins has already requested a trade, but the Bengals might not get the return they’re hoping for. The 2024 NFL Draft class is loaded with talent, and reports across the league indicate they’ll only be able to get a Day 2 pick for the franchised veteran. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Patriots are currently the frontrunners to meet that asking price.
Jeremy Fowler on Tee Higgins
“New England’s been high end shopping for receiver help, perhaps they give up a day 2 pick to get Higgins”
Yes please.
pic.twitter.com/kWkIbaT8PX
— Savage (@SavageSports_) March 23, 2024
New England Patriots the Favorites In Potential Tee Higgins Trade
Fowler’s report passes the eye test, as the Patriots make perfect sense for a Tee Higgins trade. If the season started today, New England would have Jacoby Brissett throwing to Kendrick Bourne, Demario Douglas, and Hunter Henry. While the Patriots will select a quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft, that player will struggle to succeed in this environment.
New England tried to upgrade the wide receiver position in free agency but narrowly lost out on Calvin Ridley. After showing no public interest in the other top options in the class, the Patriots have no choice but to try and trade for Tee Higgins. Even if the team selects a receiver in the second round of the NFL Draft, that player will need to quickly adjust to life in the NFL if the team wants their rookie quarterback to succeed.
While few teams are as desperate as the New England Patriots, other organizations should also be interested in a Tee Higgins trade. There is no such thing as too many reliable receivers in today’s NFL, and these five teams could be interested in acquiring the Bengals star wideout.
Other Potential Destinations
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers might be the only team in the league with a worse supporting cast than the New England Patriots. Quentin Johnston had a terrible rookie season, and Josh Palmer is nothing more than a career journeyman. Los Angeles currently holds the fifth-overall pick in the draft, but most analysts across the league expect them to trade back. If they do that, they should be willing to trade one of their Day 2 picks for a proven veteran in Tee Higgins whose play style meshes perfectly with Justin Herbert.
Arizona Cardinals
Everybody in the world knows that the Arizona Cardinals are going to select either Malik Nabers or Marvin Harrison Jr with the fourth-overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. While both players have the talent to make an instant impact in the passing attack, Arizona should still consider a Tee Higgins trade. This team has six picks in the first three rounds of the draft but lacks a proven veteran on the roster. While Trey McBride is good enough to be the focal point of a passing attack, Higgins could help make this one of the better passing attacks in the NFC.
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers need to find out what they have in Bryce Young. While they’ve done a good job surrounding him with talent thus far, they could still use a true top option at receiver. Thanks to the Brian Burns trade, this team has two top-40 picks and should be willing to part with one of them for Tee Higgins. If Young still can’t succeed with Higgins, Diontae Johnson, and a fortified offensive line, then it’ll be time to look for someone who can.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Would the Cincinnati Bengals ever trade Tee Higgins to a loathed division rival? Probably not, but the fit here is too good to ignore. George Pickens has plenty of promise but struggles with inconsistency. Russell Wilson is at his best when he’s throwing bombs to outside receivers. Higgins is a perfect fit, as he could be Wilson’s next D.K. Metcalf while his steadying presence will keep the offense afloat if Pickens can’t handle a higher workload.
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys have done next to nothing this offseason despite a promise to go all-in. While it’s too late to make noise on the free agent market, all will be forgiven if they trade for Tee Higgins. CeeDee Lamb is a superstar, but this team needs a second wideout. Michael Gallup is gone, and Brandin Cooks is a shell of his former self. With Higgins and Lamb, Mike McCarthy should have all the tools he needs for a deep playoff run.
Main Photo: Sam Greene – USA Today Sports
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