The Pittsburgh Steelers have been engulfed in wide receiver trade rumors ever since they dealt Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers. Pittsburgh has a clear need at receiver, and they will likely be addressing the position through the 2024 NFL Draft. They have reportedly been making serious attempts this week to bring in big name receivers via trade.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan picks up the phone in the team's war room during the 2023 NFL Draft weekend.
The Steelers have been attached to many names when it comes to trading a receiver, but one of them is no longer a possibility after Tee Higgins shared that he is anticipating playing for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2024. Higgins isn't thrilled about playing under the franchise tag during the 2024 season, however. He wanted a long-term extension, but Cincinnati already had to pay Joe Burrow and they are currently preparing to pay Ja'Marr Chase as well.
An extension for Higgins in Cincinnati just wasn't a real possibility when the organization has to allocate money to their bigger superstars. Due to not being given an extension, Higgins requested a trade. Many teams would be interested in him, including the Steelers, but now he has spoken publicly about his love for Cincinnati and how he anticipates spending the 2024 season there.
"I do anticipate it. I've grown a love for Cincy that I didn't think I would, but man, I'm looking forward to it."
This isn't necessarily Higgins rescinding his trade request. There is still a strong possibility he gets dealt on draft night. This was more of him coming to terms with playing for the Bengals under the franchise tag in 2024. For fans of the Bengals, this is good news. For a while, it looked like it was certain that Higgins would be suiting up for a different team next season, but now he seems to be poised to stay with the Bengals for at least one more year.
AP Photo
Tee Higgins catches a ball against the Steelers.
Even if it was a definite that Higgins is being traded, it would still be a long shot that he would end up in Pittsburgh. It's not often that a player of his caliber would get traded within the division. If the Bengals dealt him within the AFC North, they'd need to play him at least twice a year for the foreseeable future, which is not what they want.
Higgins has been extremely consistent since being drafted in 2020. He is coming off of his worst season, where he dealt with injuries and was only able to play in 12 games. He has caught at least five touchdowns every season, and he has eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark twice during his career. When he is healthy, he is one of the best receivers in the league, and he is almost definitely the best second wide receiver on any roster in the league.
Steelers Have Shown A Lot Of Interest In Bengals Receivers
The Steelers have been connected with Higgins, but a more reasonable acquisition would be Tyler Boyd, who is a free agent. Boyd has spent eight seasons with Cincinnati, but now it is looking like he will be playing elsewhere in 2024. Boyd and the Steelers have been confirmed to be in talks, but the two sides haven't been able to agree on a contract. Boyd is a Pittsburgh native, so the connection between him and the Steelers is obvious.
Cleveland.com
Bengals WR Tyler Boyd.
Boyd is an exceptional second or third option at receiver, and Pittsburgh could certainly use his veteran presence to guide George Pickens. His numbers don't jump off the stat sheet, but he is consistent and reliable, especially as a second or third option. Boyd is already a fan favorite due to his college career at Pitt, and many Steelers fans will be upset if the two sides can't come to terms on a deal.
What do you think about Higgins stating he plans to be in Cincinnati in 2024? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
