Steelers Extremely Interested In Bengals' Tee Higgins But Major Concerns Exist

The Pittsburgh Steelers are on the hunt for a new wide receiver following their decision to trade Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers. One player generating excitement among NFL teams in need of a wide receiver is Tee Higgins of the Cincinnati Bengals. Dissatisfied with his current situation, Higgins has expressed a desire to be traded.

Having signed a one-year, $21,816,000 contract with the Bengals, Higgins was unhappy with being franchise tagged and the lack of a long-term commitment. As a result, he has made it clear that he wants out of Cincinnati. Whether the Bengals will grant his request remains uncertain, as they are keen on retaining Higgins and navigating their roster of star players and their hefty contracts.

The Steelers, naturally, are eager to acquire a standout wide receiver like Higgins if possible. According to 93.7 The Fan’s Andrew Fillipponi and his sources, the Steelers are actively pursuing a trade for the Bengals stud wide receiver, although they face their own set of concerns and obstacles in the process.

“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.”

Acquiring Higgins would require a substantial investment. Firstly, there's the matter of offering the Bengals a compelling package to bring him to Pittsburgh. Additionally, there's the financial commitment involved in acquiring his contract and considering his long-term salary implications. 

Moreover, there's the inherent difficulty of trading a star wide receiver within the division, as rivals are generally hesitant to facilitate the improvement of their competitors through trades. This reluctance to trade with a rival was evident when the Steelers hesitated to send Johnson to the Kansas City Chiefs, opting instead to trade him to the NFC's Panthers. It's not the exact same scenario as trading within a division but the message is the same.

Furthermore, Higgins' injury history may contribute to the Bengals' apprehension about committing to him financially. Despite being sidelined nine times since entering the NFL, injuries are a common occurrence in the league and are unlikely to be a significant barrier to any potential trades. However, it could be a barrier to a long term contract.

In 2023, Higgins recorded 42 receptions for 656 receiving yards and five touchdowns. Impressively, he has amassed two 1,000-yard receiving seasons in his four-year tenure with the Bengals. 

Despite the team's depth at wide receiver, Higgins has consistently been a productive and integral part of their offensive success. His addition would be monumental, especially alongside George Pickens, potentially revolutionizing Pittsburgh's offense if the trade could be realized.

Although trading for Higgins remains a challenging prospect, it's invigorating to see the Steelers actively pursuing the possibility. This offseason has taught Steeler Nation that with Omar Khan at the helm, no option is off the table. It's tantalizing to anticipate whether Khan has any tricks up his sleeve to orchestrate Higgins' arrival in Pittsburgh.

Steelers Trading For A Wide Receiver Is Still Very Much On The Table

Despite initial speculation that the Steelers were turning their focus to the draft to address their wide receiver needs, a recent report indicates that they are still actively pursuing trade opportunities for a solid wideout. One name that has surfaced in discussions is Brandon Aiyuk, who even reached out to Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin via social media.

Similar to a potential trade for Higgins, acquiring Aiyuk poses economic considerations and other challenges. However, a trade for Aiyuk might be more feasible since it wouldn't involve an intra-division transaction. The next few weeks will be pivotal in shaping the Steelers' 2024 season outlook. With the draft looming, the team is poised to either draft or execute a trade for a highly capable and talented wide receiver, setting the stage for an intriguing offseason.