There have been numerous prominent NFL players mentioned in trade rumors during the past few months. The trade rumor mill has been particularly dominated by players who are still under contract, such as Jonathan Taylor, Josh Jacobs, Mike Evans, Tee Higgins, Derrick Henry, and Chase Young.
After all, some organizations may prefer to get compensation for their great players than to take the chance of losing them in free agency in 2024.
The clock is ticking on the Bengals' BIG 3… ⌛️🐅https://t.co/f4HYqDhwbd
— TPS (@TotalProSports) July 25, 2023
Owner of the Bengals Mike Brown said two months ago that keeping all of the team’s key players would be challenging. A new contract for Joe Burrow was finalized last week, and Ja’Marr Chase, a star wide receiver, could soon follow. On the other hand, Higgins’ future with the Bengals is far from certain.
Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report named six teams that ought to make inquiries about Cincinnati’s No. 2 pass-catcher. The teams in question were the New York Giants, Houston Texans, New England Patriots, Carolina Panthers, Arizona Cardinals, and Detroit Lions.
No one on Ballentine’s six named teams—aside from the Lions and Amon-Ra St. Brown—has a clear-cut No. 1 receiver. However, given that their competitive window is just now beginning to open, even Detroit makes sense for Higgins.
But since the Bengals are focused on winning now, no one should be shocked if they opt to keep Higgins for the entire campaign. The Cincy front staff should search for a player that could help them win now as part of the return if they are willing to move him.
