In what can only be described as a surprise, mere hours before the opening of the NFL‘s legal tampering period, Cincinnati Bengals star wide receiver Tee Higgins has reportedly requested a trade. The feeling and the hope on both sides was that a deal could be done between the two parties. While that may ultimately come true, at least for now, Higgins is looking to be elsewhere.
With Higgins now reportedly wanting out, he becomes one of the top names teams may be looking to add. We analyze a few spots that could make sense for the WR if he were moved.
Top Landing Spots for WR Tee Higgins
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Higgins has requested to be traded, despite his love for the city and the hope to stick around long term. With Higgins’ approach now changing as he looks for a fresh start, we examine some possible fits for the playmaking wide receiver.
Familiarity in Tennessee Makes Titans Intriguing Fit
With the Titans naming Brian Callahan their new head coach following the Mike Vrabel era, the former Bengals offensive coordinator will assumedly be one of the first people to gauge interest in the wide receiver.
There is a comfortability between Higgins and his former offensive coordinator, and it would be a seamless transition if he were to head to Nashville. He would be already familiar with Callahan, his offense, and what is expected of him from Day 1.
The Titans need a receiver, and there’s already a personal connection there.
Becomes Top Weapon for Patriots Offense
The Patriots have the third-most cap space in the NFL and plenty of holes to fill to allow them to be aggressive with talent acquisition. Wide receiver is a huge need because they don’t have a true game-changer in the room at this time.
Trading for Higgins would make a ton of sense for both parties involved. There’s a new regime in New England that may be looking to do things a little differently, and if Higgins is truly looking for a change of scenery, the Patriots may be able to provide that — and the contract he’s looking for.
Panthers Can Help Bryce Young
In an offense that had Adam Thelein as their top target in 2023, Higgins would act as an instant upgrade to an offense that desperately needs it.
As far as trade partners go, for the Bengals, this couldn’t been a better situation. If Cincinnati does ultimately decide to move on from Higgins and wants to send him somewhere he can’t burn them, a low-end NFC team may be the destination.
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On the field, it makes a ton of sense for the Carolina Panthers, who would instantly be adding more help for second-year QB Bryce Young and can act as a piece to build around for the future as they focus on other areas in the draft.
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