Top trade rumors: The Steelers have spoken about signing Cincinnati Bengals franchise-tagged receiver
It looks like Omar Khan is aiming for the hat trick. Tee Higgins, a wide receiver with the Cincinnati Bengals, is reportedly being considered by the general manager of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who earlier this summer acquired quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields for less than $4.5 million.
According to 93.7 The Fan, the Steelers have internally considered trade for Higgins. According to the article, there are concerns about Higgins’ future contract (he is presently scheduled to play the 2024 season on the franchise tag), the expense of the purchase, and the possibility of the Bengals selling Higgins to a division rival.
It makes sense that Pittsburgh is reportedly interested in Higgins. It has been rumored that the Steelers are looking to add an experienced wide receiver to replace Diontae Johnson, who was dealt to the Carolina Panthers earlier in the summer. Although money has supposedly held things up there, the Steelers have been connected to wide receiver Tyler Boyd, a former Bengals free agent.
But Higgins would undoubtedly receive a higher salary from the Steelers than Boyd. In Cincinnati, Higgins plays second fiddle to Ja’Marr Chase, although he is still regarded as the best receiver. However, Higgins’ acquisition would probably make things more difficult for George Pickens, the Steelers’ top wide receiver right now. In the event that the Steelers were to sign Higgins, their inability to pay two wideouts on par with a top receiver would likely be the issue.
Pickens is just halfway through his rookie contract, so it’s plausible that the Steelers might sell him in return for Higgins. However, there hasn’t been any indication from Pittsburgh that they want to part with Pickens.
It is reasonable for Pittsburgh to be concerned about Cincinnati selling Higgins to a division opponent. Despite his latest trade request, Higgins is valued by the Bengals and they want to keep him on the team until the 2024 season. It’s said that Cincinnati won’t even entertain dealing Higgins until they receive an enticing offer. An offer like that would probably include a first-round selection in the next draft, which would enable them to get Higgins’ replacement.
In exchange for Higgins, the Steelers would probably be prepared to forfeit their current first-round pick (20th overall), giving Cincinnati the 18th and 20th overall picks. However, as was already said, such a transaction is definitely a pipe dream due to Higgins’ expected salary demands and the Bengals’ likely unwillingness to dealing him to a division opponent.
Although Higgins joining the Steelers is unlikely, considering Khan’s performance this offseason, nothing is completely out of the question in terms of the team and free agency.
