Three best fits for Bengals WR Tee Higgins

Bengals franchise-tagged wide receiver Tee Higgins requested to be traded on Monday, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. He hoped to stay in Cincinnati, but revealed the team has not had any talks about a long-term contract extension.

Now with the intent to move on elsewhere, here are the three best fits for Higgins.

New England Patriots

The Patriots are expected to make a strong push for wide receiver Calvin Ridley in free agency. However, if they are unable to land the former Jaguars and Falcons playmaker, trading for Higgins would make a lot of sense. 

Higgins' price tag will likely be a first- or second-round pick and New England's No. 34 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft feels like fair compensation.

Higgins has been overshadowed by All-Pro WR Ja'Marr Chase, but could prove he can be a No. 1 wide receiver in the league with the Patriots. He would also be a boon to the rookie quarterback they likely take with the third overall pick.

Carolina Panthers

The Panthers don't have their first-round pick in this year's draft or any playmakers for Bryce Young, the first-overall pick a year ago. They must add to Young's arsenal this offseason, but the options are limited.

That's why making a splash move for Higgins feels like a must. Young was far from impressive as a rookie, throwing just 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Giving him a real playmaker would allow Carolina to see if he will live up to expectations.

If Young is unable to, then the team may have to begin planning for the future with another quarterback. But until the Panthers give Young zero excuses to play poorly, they will be left with major questions at quarterback.

Tennessee Titans

The Titans have been trying to recover ever since trading three-time Pro Bowl WR A.J. Brown to the Eagles in 2022. Adding WR DeAndre Hopkins certainly helped as he finished the 2023 season with 75 catches for 1,057 yards and seven touchdowns.

However, the soon-to-be 32-year-old has seen more days in the NFL than he's going to. That's why pairing him with Higgins could help Tennessee return to being a playoff contender in 2024.

Of course, it would likely come down to the play of QB Will Levis, but he will have everything he needs to be successful around him.

To add to the Titans' case, Higgins grew up in Oak Ridge, Tenn. So, he would likely welcome a return to his hometown state.