Tee Higgins, a talented wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals, asked for a trade from the team two weeks ago. Even though Higgins’ departure would be devastating for the group and star quarterback Joe Burrow, the squad is honoring his request. The Bengals are open to considering trade proposals for Higgins, according to ESPN’s Jeremey Fowler.

“He has requested a trade because he wants to leave. A few interested teams that I spoke with think the Bengals are at least open to listening. That’s a little more accommodating than they could have been a year ago, when they most certainly weren’t planning to trade him. Teams will therefore attempt to coax him out. New England has been shopping high and low for receiving help; maybe they will try to trade a Day 2 pick for Higgins.”

Fowler mentioned the New England Patriots, a former AFC powerhouse, as one of the teams interested in obtaining Higgins. Any assistance would be much appreciated by the Patriots. Maybe we could see Higgins in the navy blue and white in 2024 if the Bengals could receive everything they needed from the Patriots and then some.

More than a week before the deadline of March 5th, on February 26th, Cincinnati slapped a franchise tag on Higgins. We believed that the franchise tag was put there in an attempt to head off the issue and talk about a long-term agreement. Combine nothing of the kind, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor told reporters at the NFL Combine.

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We don’t want one of the best receivers in the NFL to simply walk out of the building. Therefore, I believe it’s crucial to seize the chance to tag him, retain him in the building, and allow him to play for us for at least one more season.”

Disappointed with the franchise, Higgins asked for a trade. The organization and Higgins haven’t had any discussions for a long-term contract since March 2023, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Higgins has been producing only for Cincinnati, so it’s been a while coming.

His 2023 season was marred by ailments, but his previous seasons were the best of his career. He was outstanding in 2021 and 2022, logging 30 games and 28 starts with 148 receptions for 2120 yards, 13 touchdowns, and a 67.6% catch percentage.

The 25-year-old is hoping to sign a long-term deal. He’ll look elsewhere for it if he can’t get it with the Bengals. The former Tiger from Clemson still has a ways to go in his development.