The Cincinnati Bengals have heavily invested in their wide receiver corps over the past five years, aiming to build one of the top units in the NFL. However, this offseason has seen a significant blow to their plans, with the departure of slot receiver Tyler Boyd and the potential loss of number two receiver Tee Higgins. The organization must act quickly to maximize the talent they have left.

The Cincinnati Bengals are anticipated to trade their standout wide receiver within the upcoming week

Given the events of the past offseason, the Arizona Cardinals are likely the most viable trade partner for the Cincinnati Bengals regarding their star wide receiver, Tee Higgins. The Cardinals are expected to select highly-touted wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. with the third overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, leaving them with the 27th overall selection, which they acquired from the Miami Dolphins in a trade during the previous draft. This pick could be a valuable asset for the Bengals in a potential trade for Higgins.

Adding Tee Higgins to the roster alongside Marvin Harrison Jr. by trading for him with a first-round pick, potentially coupled with a day two or day three pick, could position the Arizona Cardinals to boast one of the most talented wide receiver duos in the NFL in just a single day. With tight end Trey McBride still under a rookie contract for two more seasons, the Cardinals’ offense could quickly ascend to an elite level. This move would not only elevate the team’s offensive prowess but also provide a solid supporting cast around quarterback Kyler Murray, allowing the organization to better evaluate his long-term role within the team.

The deal would also be a massive success for Cincinnati since they could likely draft Higgins’ replacement in the bottom of the first round with the 27th overall pick and keep that player on a rookie salary for five full seasons.  There has been speculation that after trading Higgins, the organization may have an interest in pairing talented LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. with other LSU alums like All-Pro receiver Ja’Marr Chase and superstar quarterback Joe Burrow.

In addition to the LSU connection, Thomas shares comparable skills with Higgins, boasting elite athleticism that aligns well with the Cincinnati Bengals’ offensive system. Despite fans’ potential disappointment over losing Higgins amid recent dramatic developments, trading a player who could command a salary exceeding $25 million per season and acquiring a replacement with potentially greater natural talent appears to be a significant victory for Cincinnati.