Report: Tee Higgins Requests Trade From Bengals; Should the Titans Make a Move?

Wide receiver Tee Higgins, who played four seasons for Tennessee Titans coach Brian Callahan, has requested a trade from the Cincinnati Bengals. Should the Titans attempt to sign him?

NASHVILLE — A potential homecoming and reunion are back in play for Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins. Multiple outlets are reporting that Higgins is making a trade request after the Bengals franchise-tagged him, which could open a path for Higgins to sign with the Tennessee Titans.

"Higgins loves Cincinnati and hoped to be with the team long term, but is disappointed that the team has not had any talks about a long-term contract extension since March 2023. He's ready to move on to a new home," ESPN reporter Adam Schefter said on X, known as Twitter. 

Bengals franchise WR Tee Higgins has requested a trade, per sources. Higgins loves Cincinnati and hoped to be with the team long term, but is disappointed that the team has not had any talks about a long-term contract extension since March 2023. He’s ready to move on to a new… pic.twitter.com/T0qy7uMu8n

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2024

Higgins had consecutive 1,000-yard seasons before injuries limited his 2023 season to 12 games, 42 receptions, 656 yards, and five touchdowns.

Higgins previously expressed a desire to reunite with former Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan, now the Titans coach. They worked together for four seasons in Cincinnati.

"It would be good," Higgins said on The Sick Podcast on radio row at the Super Bowl. "Going back home to family and then being able to play for a coach that I've already been under. It would be ideal." Higgins is from Oak Ridge, Tenn., about 160 miles from Nashville.

If any team, including the Titans, is interested in acquiring Higgins during this offseason, they will need to do it via a trade. After the trade is completed, Higgins' new team will have the option to keep him for one year at the franchise tag salary or negotiate a contract extension for a longer term.

The Titans have the financial means to sign Higgins, but it remains to be seen if they would be willing to part with draft picks. General Manager Ran Carthon has expressed his desire to build the team through the draft. As for Higgins, he would be guaranteed $21.8 million on the franchise tag.

Aside from DeAndre Hopkins, the Titans lack reliable receiving options for quarterback Will Levis.  

On Wednesday, free agency officially begins, allowing players to sign with teams other than their current team.

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