The Pittsburgh Steelers are seeking to add a notable wide receiver to their roster and are considering various options, one of which includes a trade for Tee Higgins from the Cincinnati Bengals.
Andrew Fillipponi from 93.7 The Fan mentioned that the Steelers have been internally discussing the possibility of acquiring Higgins, despite the challenges such a move may pose.
Concerns such as the acquisition cost, future contract expenses, and the Bengals being a divisional rival are some factors under consideration.
Sources: The Steelers have had internal discussions about trading for Bengals WR Tee Higgins. They love the player. But there’s questions about acquisition cost and his next contract cost. Plus there’s the issue of the Bengals trading him in the AFC North. pic.twitter.com/i3yylwhYon
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) April 12, 2024
Fillipponi’s report generated a strong response from his audience and from another Steelers media representative.
Daniel Valente from The Score remarked, “It’s expected for a competent front office to consider the possibility of acquiring a talented wide receiver who might be available for trade. They likely engage in numerous internal discussions regarding potential player acquisitions.”
I mean any good front office would have some kind of internal discussions about a good WR who may be on the trade market.
They’ve probably had tons of internal discussions about players who might be available. https://t.co/6o7cYWdNEh
— Daniel Valente (@StatsGuyDaniel) April 12, 2024
Additional users on X expressed skepticism about the possibility of a trade between the Steelers and Tee Higgins.
Alex dismissed the idea with a simple “Not happening lol.”
One fan humorously mocked Fillipponi’s report by drawing a parallel to a personal scenario, saying, “Sources: I’ve had internal discussions about purchasing a Lamborghini. I love the car. But there’s concern about the acquisition cost, and its maintenance cost. Plus there’s the issue of a dealership selling me one.”
Higgins could potentially be available for trade as he was initially set to become a free agent during the offseason, leading the Bengals to place the franchise tag on him.
Could Bengals WR Tee Higgins Be Traded?
With the franchise tag in place, the Bengals have until July 15 to secure Tee Higgins to a long-term contract. Failing this, Higgins would likely have to accept the one-year tender, amounting to $21.816 million for the 2024 season.
If the Bengals determine that a long-term deal for Higgins is not feasible, they may opt to explore trading the wide receiver this offseason. However, this scenario is unlikely for a couple of reasons.
Historically, veteran receivers have not fetched significant returns in trades this offseason. Additionally, if the Bengals were to lose Higgins in NFL free agency the following year, they would be awarded a third-round compensatory pick in the 2026 draft. Therefore, it would not be advantageous for the Bengals to part ways with Higgins.
Moreover, with the Bengals already losing Tyler Boyd to NFL free agency, it seems improbable that they would be willing to part with their No. 2 wide receiver at the same time.
While a long-term deal for Higgins with Cincinnati is not assured, the team has financial commitments to quarterback Joe Burrow, and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase will also require a new contract.
Considering these factors, retaining Higgins for at least the current season appears to be the logical choice for the Bengals.
Steelers Tipped to Secure Higgins in 2025 NFL Free Agency Should the Bengals opt to trade Tee Higgins, it is improbable that they would entertain an offer from the Steelers. However, if Higgins becomes a free agent next year, the Steelers could have a better chance of adding him to their roster.
According to Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport, the Steelers are anticipated to sign Higgins to a four-year contract valued at $99.7 million during the 2025 NFL free agency period.
While it may be premature to make projections for the upcoming free agency class, the Steelers are in need of another top-tier wide receiver following the departure of Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers.
Should they fail to address this need in the 2024 NFL draft, the Steelers could be gearing up to make a significant move for a receiver next March.
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