The Cincinnati Bengals seem to think they can make a strong comeback in the second half of the season, even though they have a 3-5 record.
Since the offense performs well when both Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are playing together, it would make sense for the Bengals to keep their team intact for as long as possible.
However, this may only last for the rest of the season because Higgins’ contract will end after this year, which is why he has been mentioned in trade rumors.
The NFL trade deadline is on Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. ET.
According to Dianna Russini from The Athletic, the Bengals do not plan to trade Higgins at the deadline, even though they are trying to find some defensive help.
“Despite sitting at 3-5, Cincinnati has been looking for a cornerback and a defensive lineman to support defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. Edge rusher Trey Hendrickson is seen as the only major threat on this Cincy defense. Also: I was told they are not trading wideout Tee Higgins,” Russini wrote.
While Higgins is the most valuable trade asset the Bengals have and they could get a good return for him, it doesn’t make sense to let him go if they believe they can still succeed.
The offense has been strong when he plays, but he has missed four games due to injuries this season. He sat out the first two games with a hamstring issue and is currently out for his second straight game because of a quad injury.
In the five games he has played this season, Higgins has made 29 catches for 341 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
There could be a lot of changes as the trade deadline approaches, but it looks like Higgins will stay with the Bengals.