A shocking blockbuster trade proposal has playmaker, Tee Higgins in the AFC South with the Jacksonville Jaguars this offseason. According to a report, the trade would create some electricity for Trevor Lawrence’s case to get a top contract as the Jaguars are looking for their new WR1 after Calvin Ridley’s departure. The Bengals have been dealing with drama this offseason involving what they will do with the Clemson product. His teammates are unsure if the team will be able to pay him on a long-term deal.
However, the team was able to franchise tag the star wideout but has yet to agree on a long-term extension. Higgins isn’t signing his franchise tag tender which is preventing him from participating in OTA’s. The two sides have until July 15th to agree on a new contract, but it isn’t likely. It’s fair to speculate why the team hasn’t been able to get a deal in place for their No. 2 wideout next to Ja’Marr Chase.
However, the Bengals are hesitating after giving their star quarterback, Joe Burrow a monster contract and have Chase to think about in the future. Both receivers are on track to receive a massive payday but one wonders if that means one or the other will move on to a new team. This will probably be Higgins’s last season in Cincinnati if he doesn’t hold out this year and sign the tender. However, he is already requesting a trade this offseason even though he said he anticipates playing for the Bengals this season.
Cincinnati may do as he wishes as the Clemson product has been one of the better wideouts in the league. Higgins recorded back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving campaigns in 2021 and 2022. Only time can tell how long the drama will continue.
Shocking Blockbuster Trade Proposal Has Playmaker Tee Higgins in AFC South with Jacksonville Jaguars
How He Fits
Several teams are expected to be interested in the playmaker if the Bengals grant his wish which is likely. However, the situation seems fitting if Higgins lands in Jacksonville to reunite with fellow Clemson alum, Trevor Lawrence. The two have chemistry during their days with the Tigers and Jacksonville desperately needs a new playmaker. Jacksonville moved on from Ridley after trading him to the Titans, leaving a void to fill.
They’re doing what they can to help Lawrence’s production continue progressing toward the ceiling in 2024. Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine has the Bengals sending Higgins and a 2025 sixth-round pick to the Jaguars in exchange for a 2025 second-round pick. This sounds like a reasonable exchange considering Jacksonville would still need to figure out a contract he desires. It’s hard to imagine Higgins stepping away from Cincinnati but he’s going wherever the money goes.
Especially, the Bengals would need to extend Chase to a new contract in the future so it’s not possible to have two electrifying wideouts, they were bound for payday. It probably will disrupt the chemistry that Burrow has with the offense but the Bengals only have so much time. Here are some potential trade fits for Higgins.
Potential Trade Fits
The Chargers still need some proven talent even though they were able to draft Ladd McConkey to this unit. He can’t carry the team so they need someone to accommodate his rookie year. Mike Williams and Keenan Allen’s departures are going to hurt Justin Herbert’s chemistry in the first few games unless they get a deep threat like Higgins. However, the Ravens are looking for Odell Beckham Jr’s replacement after extending Rashod Bateman.
It isn’t likely this trade will go through considering the rivalry between Baltimore and Cincinnati. Higgins is probably their best option if they want to make it to a Super Bowl this season. Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews need some help with the position since they were carrying the load last year. However, one final trade fit would be to Carolina.
Bryce Young has the pieces to get this team back in playoff contention with the trade of Diontae Johnson and the drafting of Xavier Legette. They need a long-term solution to their offense and Higgins would be an immediate fit alongside Johnson.