Tee Higgins Trade Rumors: Bengals, WR 'Haven't Talked Yet' amid Contract, Draft Buzz

The Cincinnati Bengals reportedly haven't spoken with franchise-tagged wide receiver Tee Higgins since his reported trade request last month.

According to ESPN's Matt Miller, a source said the two sides haven't been in communication, but the Bengals are in "win-now mode" and believe they can compete with the Kansas City Chiefs for the AFC title.

Miller noted that the uncertainty of Higgins' future in Cincinnati could compel the Bengals to use their first-round pick on a wideout, but ESPN's Ben Baby called offensive tackle a "much more pressing need," after they signed Trent Brown to a one-year deal to be the starting right tackle.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported in March that Higgins had requested a trade after the Bengals placed the franchise tag on him and hadn't engaged in long-term contract talks with him since March 2023.

The Bengals are under no obligation for trade Higgins, but if he holds out and refuses to sign the franchise tender, he could force Cincinnati's hand to some degree.

Higgins, 25, was a second-round pick by the Bengals in 2020, which was the same year they took quarterback Joe Burrow first overall.

After finishing with 908 yards as a rookie, Higgins had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2021 and 2022, recording 74 receptions for 1,091 yards and six touchdowns in 2021, and 74 catches for 1,029 yards and seven scores in 2022.

Expectations were high once again in 2023, but injuries caused him to miss five games and limited him in others. As a result, he set career lows across the board with 42 grabs for 656 yards and five touchdowns.

Higgins was also adversely impacted by Burrow missing seven games due to injury, but he should be healthy in 2024.

Another situation that could impact Higgins' future with the Bengals is that of fellow star wideout Ja'Marr Chase, who will be due a massive contract extension soon since 2024 is the final year of his contract.

The Bengals will likely exercise the fifth-year option in his deal for 2025, but a new Chase contract is very much on the horizon regardless.

If the Bengals do decide to address the wide receiver position early in the 2024 draft due to Higgins' status, LSU's Brian Thomas Jr. could be the best wideout available and of interest to them at No. 18 overall.