NEWSLETTER
I’ve said it before and don’t mind repeating it. If Tee Higgins hits the market, the Bears *MUST* pick up the phone. We might not know for some time if Higgins ends up as trade bait this offseason. A certain amount of dominos need to fall in order for that to happen. But it is something we should continue keeping an eye on as this season rolls around.
Sure, it seems like a long shot. But it isn’t wholly unrealistic.
Higgins making it to the trade market comes up in a conversation with long-time NFL insider Peter King and NBC Sports Chicago Bears reporter Josh Schrock. Yeah, this one is a doozy:
The interview is 14+ minutes. And it tackles a variety of other topics. King explains why the Bears would be foolish to trade Justin Fields. The long-time NFL reporter also gave GM Ryan Poles a vote of confidence when it comes to roster construction, sharing his belief the Bears will aggressively go after offensive linemen and receivers this offseason. Which brings us back to Higgins.
King mentions Higgins as a potential Bears target, but there are some “buts” we must discuss.
Firstly, King doesn’t believe the Bengals want to trade Higgins. And I can’t say I blame them. I mean, you’ve seen Higgins play ball, right? Higgins is coming off his second straight season with exactly 74 catches, at least six touchdown receptions, and more than 1,000 receiving yards. No team in their right mind should want to trade a player like Higgins. However, King surmises the Bengals might not have a choice in the matter. After all, Cincy has to extend quarterback Joe Burrow this offseason and wideout Ja’Marr Chase after next offseason. And because King doesn’t think the Bengals can pay Burrow and extend Higgins, that would be a step toward Cincy trying to cut a deal. Maybe they’ll see what the Chiefs did in winning a Super Bowl after trading Tyreek Hill and see it as inspiration. In any case, it is something I’m watching for this offseason.
Even more so after hearing Higgins’ name come up in discussion with Justin Fields during Super Bowl week while chopping it up with USA Today’s Mackenzie Salmon.
Here is the exchange that piques my interest:
Mackenzie Salmon: “I know there were trade rumors for Tee Higgins. What do you think that would be like?”
Justin Fields: “That would be awesome. So, we’re actually part of the same agency. So I get to see him work out in the offseason once every year. He’s a great player. Great size, great receiver, and he’s just really smooth. Of course the things he can do on the outside with the jump balls and the route running. He’s a great player for sure.”
Hey, now! If Fields wants to use that connection and guide Higgins to Chicago, then by all means I’m all for it. Nothing says “the Chicago way” like some behind-the-scenes greasing of the skids. Whatever it takes, am I right?
You can watch more of the interview with Fields here:
Again, it is worth repeating: You’ve gotta try to get Higgins if he makes it to the market. Pick up the phone and make the call. Whether the Bengals answer or even show a willingness to do business is irrelevant. The Bears have to go about upgrading their receivers’ room with a mindset that is equal parts aggressive and progressive. WR1s don’t just land in your lap, so there is an expectation that the Bears will need to get creative this offseason to get their guy. It could be Higgins. Or maybe someone else. Whatever. Just get out there and try. Shoot for the moon and whatnot. What’s the worst thing that can happen? The Bengals say no? Ha.
In any case, I doubt this is the last we’ll hear of Higgins and the Bears this offseason.
