5 Trade Packages Bengals Would Have to Consider for Tee Higgins amid NFL OTAs

The Cincinnati Bengals' silence on non-existent negotiations with wide receiver Tee Higgins could lead to a potential blockbuster trade.

According to ESPN's Ben Baby, the Bengals haven't talked to the 25-year-old about a new deal in over a year.

Baby can also see Cincinnati continuing a trend with its franchise-tagged players.

"Cincinnati has used the franchise tag three times in the past decade, on DE Michael Johnson (2013), WR A.J. Green (2020) and S Jessie Bates III (2022)," he wrote. "None signed a long-term deal with his respective club. It is certainly trending that way for Cincinnati's No. 2 wide receiver."

Bengals head coach Zac Taylor doesn't expect the team to trade Higgins this year.

"We're excited for Tee to have a great year for us," he told reporters. "We think he's our best chance to help us win a Super Bowl. I've enjoyed working with Tee the last four years. I expect this year to be no different."

The Clemson product also anticipates suiting up for the Bengals in 2024, but according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, he hasn't signed his franchise tender.

If rookie third-round wide receiver Jermaine Burton has an impressive showing throughout the offseason, the Bengals may consider trade offers for Higgins.

Also, if Cincinnati signs wideout Ja'Marr Chase to a massive extension, Higgins could reiterate his trade request (h/t Schefter), knowing he's unlikely to get a long-term deal from a cap-strapped team.

Based on the framework of the Stefon Diggs trade between the Buffalo Bills and Houston Texans, we have crafted five realistic trade proposals for Higgins that may catch the Bengals' attention.

Cincinnati Bengals receive: 2025 second-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick

Arizona Cardinals receive: WR Tee Higgins

The Arizona Cardinals could transform one of the league's bottom pass-catching groups into a top-tier unit in one offseason.

They selected Marvin Harrison Jr. with the fourth pick in the 2024 draft, and they can take some pressure off the rookie in his first season.

Defensive coordinators would have to think twice about calling for double coverage on Harrison, as Higgins is capable of winning one-on-one downfield.

Though Higgins had his least productive season in 2023, partially because of injuries, he's racked up 1,029-plus receiving yards in back-to-back terms.

He doesn't have an extensive injury history, missing just two games before the previous campaign. Arizona should, therefore, feel comfortable acquiring and signing him to an extension worth more than $20 million per year.

The Cardinals have $22.1 million in cap space, and they can restructure quarterback Kyler Murray's contract to save an additional $29.5 million.

With Harrison, Higgins and tight end Trey McBride as his top three pass-catchers, Murray could rediscover his Pro Bowl form and post his first 4,000-plus-yard passing season.

Cincinnati Bengals receive: 2025 second-round pick and a 2025 4th-round pick (via Philadelphia Eagles)

Detroit Lions receive: WR Tee Higgins

The Detroit Lions shouldn't take their foot off the gas after an appearance in the NFC Championship Game, not with $31 million in cap space.

They have just opened their Super Bowl window with a top-five scoring offense. Perhaps they can advance a little further in the playoffs with, arguably, the NFL's best passing offense.

Detroit's opponents would have a difficult task in countering the No. 2 aerial attack from the previous year plus Higgins, who would also bolster a shallow receiver group.

The Lions lost wideout Josh Reynolds in free agency, and 2022 first-rounder Jameson Williams—though talented with great potential—isn't a lock to make a big leap with more opportunities.

Williams has violated the league's gambling policy and battled injuries, which is why he's only suited up for 18 games in two seasons.

The Lions can one-up the Arizona Cardinals' trade offer with an earlier Day 3 pick in hopes that Higgins becomes a complementary playmaker to primary slot wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown.

Cincinnati Bengals receive: 2025 second-round pick, 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2025 sixth-round pick

Los Angeles Chargers receive: WR Tee Higgins

This offseason, the Los Angeles Chargers cut Mike Williams and traded Keenan Allen to the Chicago Bears.

They have $26.4 million in cap space. So, they can afford to acquire Higgins and sign him to an extension.

After parting ways with Williams and Allen, L.A. may be willing to sign him to a long-term deal because he's younger than the former Chargers wideouts and is more reliable in availability.

Furthermore, they need a go-to receiver.

Last year, 2023 first-rounder Quentin Johnston had an underwhelming campaign, hauling in 38 passes for 431 yards and two touchdowns.

Joshua Palmer has served as a part-time starter in three seasons with the team. DJ Chark hasn't been able to match the receiving numbers from his 2019 Pro Bowl campaign, and he's battled injuries in recent years.

In April, L.A. drafted Ladd McConkey (second round), Brenden Rice (seventh round) and Cornelius Johnson (seventh round), but rookies, especially Day 3 additions, aren't sure-fire contributors.

Without question, Higgins would be the best wideout on the Chargers roster. L.A. needs more offensive firepower in the passing game to aid quarterback Justin Herbert's development.

Cincinnati Bengals receive: 2025 second-round pick, 2025 fourth-round pick and WR DeMario Douglas

New England Patriots receive: WR Tee Higgins

This offseason, the New England Patriots overhauled their wide receiver room, signing K.J. Osborn and drafting Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker in the second and fourth rounds, respectively. They also re-signed Kendrick Bourne.

Even with those acquisitions, though, they have a mediocre group of wideouts, and Higgins would bring clarity to a receiver room full of uncertainties.

The rookies are unknowns. Bourne is recovering from a torn ACL. JuJu Smith-Schuster has missed several games because of injuries in two of the last three years. Tyquan Thornton, a 2022 second-rounder, hasn't panned out as a consistent contributor yet.

Whoever wins the Patriots' battle for the starting quarterback position would have a reliable wideout in Higgins, who can provide an immediate spark for a mostly lackluster passing attack since Tom Brady's departure in 2020.

New England could add Demario Douglas to the deal. His trade value will likely drop going forward. Last season, he led the Pats wideouts in catches (49) and racked up a team-leading 561 receiving yards.

The Patriots used two of their first five 2024 draft picks on receivers, signed Osborn, and Bourne could make a full recovery at some point this year.

With those new faces and the return of a solid playmaker who can line up in the slot or on the perimeter, Douglas could see a drop-off in production.

Based on this trade scenario, the 23-year-old would likely see more targets with the Bengals than in New England. He could be a solid slot receiver in the Cincinnati offense with Joe Burrow under center.

Cincinnati Bengals receive: 2025 second-round pick and a 2025 fourth-round pick

Washington Commanders receive: WR Tee Higgins

The Washington Commanders have the second-most cap space with $43.4 million. They can allocate a chunk of that cap space to Higgins' new contract with the intent to do everything possible to help Jayden Daniels get off to a quick career start.

Washington can afford to be aggressive in acquiring playmakers while Daniels is on a rookie deal.

With this trade, it would have a deep receiver group that includes Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, rookie third-rounder Luke McCaffrey and Higgins.

McLaurin, Dotson and McCaffrey can rotate in the slot, which would allow Higgins to continue taking most of his snaps on the outside.

As a rebuilding team, Washington's own 2025 draft picks may be early in each round, which is something the Cincinnati Bengals should consider if they open up trade discussions that involve Higgins.

Player contract and team salary-cap details are provided by Over the Cap.

NFL team draft picks are provided by Tankathon.

Maurice Moton covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @MoeMoton.