Browns Back in Mix for Rival $72 Million WR, Favorite of Deshaun Watson
It appeared the Cleveland Browns big-time options at wide receiver were dwindling after the Cincinnati Bengals used the franchise tag to lock in Tee Higgins, but he may yet be within reach.
Ari Meirov of the 33rd Team reported on Monday, February 26, that the Bengals may trade Higgins for the right offer considering the substantial interest in him around the league.
“Several team executives believe the #Bengals could get a 1st-round pick or an early 2nd-round pick if they were to consider trading WR Tee Higgins,” Meirov posted to X.
The Browns don’t have a first-round pick in 2024 to dangle for Higgins due to the Deshaun Watson trade with the Houston Texans two years ago. Cleveland doesn’t pick until No. 54 in the second round, which probably isn’t a strong enough asset on its own to get into trade conversations for Higgins, especially considering the Browns are a division rival.
That said, Cleveland long since entered all-in mode. Watson’s salary cap hit jumps to $64 million in 2024 and remains there through the life of his deal. The Browns can, and perhaps will, push off more than $30 million of that down the line in the form of dead money.
That type of move will allow the Browns the space they need to pursue a premiere receiver alongside Amari Cooper, which team insiders right and left have identified as among Cleveland’s top needs. The Browns can then look to build a trade package around the No. 54 pick, which might include their 2024 third-rounder (No. 85 overall) or a future draft asset in 2025, that gets them into legitimate discussions with the Bengals for Higgins.
Bengals’ Actions Indicate Team Open to Trading Tee Higgins, Even After Franchise Tag
GettyWide receiver Tee Higgins of the Cincinnati Bengals.
Meirov explained Cincinnati’s decision to tag Higgins in 2024 for the price of $21.8 million by comparing his situation to that of former Bengal and current Atlanta Falcons safety Jesse Bates III.
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