As the Kansas City Chiefs navigate a season marred by injuries to their wide receiving corps, they find themselves in a precarious position. With Rashee Rice and Hollywood Brown sidelined for the rest of the regular season, the Chiefs are in dire need of a starting-caliber wide receiver. Coincidentally, their AFC rivals, the Cincinnati Bengals, are facing an uphill battle, making wideout Tee Higgins an intriguing potential trade target.
Bengals’ Dismal Start
The Bengals head into a pivotal Sunday Night Football matchup against the 2-3 New York Giants with a disheartening 1-4 record. Should they falter again, Cincinnati’s playoff hopes would likely fade into oblivion. Adding to the drama, Higgins is playing on the franchise tag this year, raising questions about his future in Cincinnati. If the Bengals’ struggles persist, the likelihood of Higgins testing free agency next March increases, making him an appealing target for teams looking to bolster their receiving options.
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox placed Higgins on his “trade block big board” on October 9, acknowledging the potential for the Bengals to turn things around. “Cincinnati could be back to .500 by the trade deadline,” Knox noted, “and if it is, Higgins won’t be going anywhere. If the Bengals continue to blow games, however, Higgins would be a logical trade commodity.”
Chiefs’ Need for Offensive Firepower
Most Chiefs fans would welcome Higgins with open arms, and it’s easy to see why. The 25-year-old receiver possesses the skill set to thrive in Kansas City’s high-octane offense led by head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes II. However, the question remains: how realistic is a trade for Higgins?
While the Chiefs could undoubtedly reach out to the Bengals to discuss a potential deal, Cincinnati would be hesitant to send one of their star players to a division rival, especially given the recent playoff battles between the two teams. The Bengals would likely consider any offers they receive, prioritizing a deal that provides substantial return rather than strengthening a competitor.
Knox argues that trading Higgins could allow the Bengals to regroup and retool, particularly if the playoffs become an impossibility. “The best way to eventually beat Kansas City might be a high trade return for a rental WR,” he explained.
Other Trade Targets for Kansas City
The Chiefs’ search for receiving help doesn’t end with Higgins. Knox also mentioned veteran wideouts DeAndre Hopkins of the Tennessee Titans and Amari Cooper of the Cleveland Browns as potential trade candidates. With Hopkins, Kansas City reportedly showed strong interest during the 2023 offseason, attempting to secure his services before ultimately failing to finalize a deal.
Additionally, Cooper has emerged as a strong target. His proven track record as a No. 1 receiver would make him a valuable asset for the Chiefs, particularly in light of their current receiver woes. Both players could provide immediate impact as Kansas City looks to remain competitive in a challenging AFC landscape.
Conclusion
As the Chiefs prepare for their upcoming games, their front office will be closely monitoring the trade market. With Tee Higgins, DeAndre Hopkins, and Amari Cooper all potentially available, Kansas City has the opportunity to reshape their offense and make a push for another Super Bowl run. With the Bengals in turmoil, the next few weeks will be crucial not only for their season but for the fate of Higgins and the Chiefs’ playoff ambitions.
