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Patriots should make this blockbuster trade with the Bengals

By Jared Koch

Dec 24, 2022; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (85) makes a catch against the New England Patriots during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2022; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (85) makes a catch against the New England Patriots during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (85) warms up before the first quarter of the NFL Week 18 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Baltimore Ravens at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023.Baltimore Ravens At Cincinnati Bengals Nfl Week 18
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (85) warms up before the first quarter of the NFL Week 18 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Baltimore Ravens at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023.Baltimore Ravens At Cincinnati Bengals Nfl Week 18 /

A usual solid judgment on what potential NFL trades will look like is to look at trends around the league and what other teams value these types of players at.

An easy comparison that could be drawn here once again would be the A.J. Brown-Eagles trade that happened last off-season. The compensation the Titans received for that wasn’t anything the Patriots couldn’t afford:

The Eagles were able to give up a first-round pick and a third-round pick to acquire Brown, a receiver who most would agree is probably around the same caliber player (and should be paid around the same amount) as Tee Higgins.

So a potential package for the Patriots wouldn’t be too far off:

This package probably wouldn’t be too far off from what Tee Higgins would be worth. This trade would give the Bengals two players on rookie contracts to save money instead of being forced to pay Tee Higgins big money.

On the other side, the Patriots acquire the WR1 they’ve been looking to pair Mac Jones with. Tee matches up with Jones’ timeline, and alongside new OC Bill O’Brien, this offense would be a significant improvement from this past season.

Also, with a current cap space of $32 million in 2023 and currently $157 million in 2024, the Patriots would likely have the cap space necessary to pay Tee Higgins a sizable, long-term contract.

This move would set the Patriots’ offense up with a hopeful QB-WR pairing entering 2023 and beyond. If Tee Higgins becomes available, the Patriots should pick up the phone and call Cincinnati.

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