The NFL offseason rolls along for the Cincinnati Bengals, who are preparing for the 2024 NFL Draft while managing a trade request from their star receiver.
While the Bengals had a nice start to free agency, there’s plenty of news revolving around future plans for Cincinnati.
Cincinnati Bengals News Today
Before free agency kicked off, the Bengals’ franchise-tagged wide receiver Tee Higgins requested a trade.
The Bengals do not have to grant Higgins a trade, but dealing the 25-year-old who needs a new, massive contract would yield a nice return. Additionally, the Bengals are preparing for the NFL Draft where they might need a replacement for Higgins but also need help in the trenches.
Bengals Listen to Tee Higgins Trade Offers
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler on SportsCenter, the Bengals are willing to listen to trade offers for Tee Higgins.
“He wants out; he has made the trade request,” Fowler said. “I talked to a few teams who are interested who believe the Bengals are at least willing to listen. That’s a little softer than they might have been a year ago where they were definitely not trading him.”
Fowler continues, explaining that teams are going to continually try to pry him away from the Bengals. Namely, the New England Patriots have been shopping around for high-end receiver help, and Fowler proposed a Day 2 pick might land Higgins in New England.
READ MORE: Bengals ‘Willing To Listen’ on Tee Higgins Offers
Bengals Land OT Troy Fautanu in Latest Mock Draft
In A.J. Schulte’s latest seven-round mock draft, the Bengals landed Washington offensive tackle Troy Fautanu with the No. 17 overall selection.
While the Bengals might need to replace Higgins and Tyler Boyd, as well as solidify their defensive line, protecting Joe Burrow should be a top priority. In Burrow’s tenure with Cincinnati, the Bengals have had suboptimal protection for him.
Fautanu is already 23 years old. He’s ready to slide into a starting spot right away. He won the 2023 Morris Trophy as the Pac-12’s most outstanding offensive lineman.
SEE MORE: 7-Round 2024 NFL Mock Draft
Mike Hilton Recruiting Xavien Howard to Bengals
The Bengals have been active in free agency, but as we’ve come to know, players will always recruit talent where they see fit.
On Friday, Bengals cornerback Mike Hilton sent out a tweet to free agent corner Xavien Howard, recruiting him to join the Bengals.
@Iamxavienhoward come on to Cincy!! Perfect spot for ya 🤷🏾♂️ https://t.co/nZTXyugNyC
— Mike Hilton (@MikeHilton_28) March 22, 2024
While this would be great fun for Cincinnati fans, Howard likely commands more than the Bengals will want to spend, even despite a reported pay cut.
Bengals analyst Jay Morrison believes Rock Ya-Sin is a more realistic depth piece, especially due to the need for depth at running back, receiver, and defensive line. Morrison notes that under Zac Taylor’s leadership, the Bengals are much more reserved as free agency lengthens.
KEEP READING: Cincinnati Bengals’ Remaining Options as Free Agency Heads into Week 3
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