Nick Wright of Fox Sports suggested that the Detroit Lions trade Tee Higgins to the Cincinnati Bengals for the No. 29 overall pick.
In recent weeks, commentators have been more likely to select the Detroit Lions as their first-round pick when it comes to wide receivers. Nick Wright of Fox Sports produced a similar projection, although he did not include the Lions selecting a wide receiver in the draft. Wright predicted that the Lions will instead trade for wide receiver Tee Higgins of the Cincinnati Bengals.
Wright suggested in his most recent mock draft that the Lions trade Higgins to the Bengals for the 29th overall choice in the first round.
At the start of NFL free agency, Higgins was assigned the franchise tag by the Bengals. However, given the complexity of the receiver’s possible contract extension, Cincinnati may still trade for the 25-year-old receiver this offseason.
The deadline for the Bengals to sign Higgins to a long-term contract is July 15. In 2024, if he plays with the franchise tag, his salary will be $21.8 million.
In 12 games during the previous season, Higgins hauled in 42 receptions for 656 yards and five touchdowns.
Tee Higgins, WR, and the Lions’ Potential Fit
The Lions may try to add another offensive weapon in the first round this year, given how successfully they addressed their defensive needs in free agency. If so, it begs the question of whether Detroit would rather go with Higgins, a tried-and-true choice.
In 2023, his stats were largely career lows, but he missed five games due to injury. Joe Burrow, the quarterback for the Bengals, was likewise injured early in the season and missed the second half of it.
Higgins averaged 15.6 yards per reception despite this.
Josh Reynolds, who left the Lions for the Denver Broncos during NFL free agency, would be more than adequately replaced by him. In terms of yards, receptions, and touchdowns in 2023, Reynolds was second among receivers for Detroit.
Higgins, who lines up opposite Amon-Ra St. Brown, is a strong contender to record 1,000 receiving yards. He played with fellow receiver Ja’Marr Chase in 2021 and 2022, posting 1,000-yard seasons in both years.
To utilize their first-round pick on a receiver, the Lions will need to have faith in their new defensive additions. While Marcus Davenport and D.J. Reader, the defensive linemen, and cornerbacks Carlton Davis and Amik Robertson, are good signings, they might not be permanent fixtures in Detroit.
What Is the Bengals’ Probability of Trading Higgins?
Even after Higgins was given the franchise tag by the Bengals, the speculations around him haven’t stopped. However, that does not guarantee that he will be traded.
A third-round compensatory selection in 2026 will be awarded to the Bengals in the event that Higgins leaves in free agency the following summer. That may be sufficient for Cincinnati to decide against cutting ties with Higgins at this time.
Although it will probably be tempting to acquire a first-round pick this year for Higgins, the Bengals have already lost seasoned receiver Tyler Boyd. Cincinnati would be wise to hang onto Higgins so he can play in 2024, even if it means taking the chance that he won’t be available the following offseason.
Higgins’ future in Cincinnati is uncertain due to Burrow’s large offseason contract. The Bengals must also give Chase, their best wide receiver, a new contract extension.
Although the Lions, according to Spotrac, had the eighth-most salary cap room as of April 14, Detroit is essentially in the same boat. In 2024, quarterback Jared Goff and wide receiver St. Brown will enter their final year of contracts. The Lions would prefer to extend their contracts to both of these talented players.
According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, on April 14, Goff’s contract may be worth $45–$50 million a year.
Higgins might not have much room in Detroit after that. With the No. 29 overall pick, acquiring a receiver on a rookie contract would therefore be a far better choice.
