Even as they have set about overhauling their offensive line, the Jets have been linked to a number of wide receivers in the free agent and trade markets. For instance, New York was reportedly interested in trading for Keenan Allen before the Chargers shipped him to the Bears, and the club inquired on Jerry Jeudy as well. Likewise, Gang Green is believed to have interest in FA Tyler Boyd and will soon visit with the recently-released Mike Williams.
As of the time of this writing, GM Joe Douglas has been unable to add to Aaron Rodgers‘ contingent of pass catchers. Unsurprisingly, however, Douglas is still exploring the trade market, as ESPN’s Rich Cimini writes.
It is unclear if Douglas will have much success in that regard. While Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins has requested a trade, Cincinnati has stated that it intends to keep the franchise-tagged talent, and per Albert Breer of SI.com, that is not just GM-speak. The club truly does want to run back the Ja’Marr Chase/Higgins tandem for at least one more season, and Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports says no trade conversations between the Bengals and the Panthers, another team in search of WR help, have taken place. Per Jones, Carolina and Cincinnati are unlikely to line up on a Higgins trade, even though the Panthers now have pick nos. 33 and 39 to offer.
On the other hand, Breer thinks that the Bengals may get an offer that is too good to turn down as the draft approaches, just as the Titans did when they dealt A.J. Brown on draft night several years ago (although that ill-fated decision on Tennessee’s part may prove to be a cautionary tale for Cincinnati). Whether such an offer is made, and whether that offer comes from Douglas — who is under pressure to win now — remains to be seen.
Instead of a trade for a player like Higgins or the 49ers’ Brandon Aiyuk — who may or may not be in line for a second contract with San Francisco — Cimini believes it is more logical to add a mid-tier FA like Boyd while taking advantage of a deep pool of collegiate wideouts. Although the Jets are without a second-round choice in 2024 and will therefore not make their second selection until they are on the clock with the No. 72 overall pick, the depth of this year’s WR class means that they can still get an impact player with that pick.
In addition to Williams and Boyd, Cimini says Odell Beckham Jr. could be a Douglas target in free agency. The Ravens aggressively outbid other suitors, including the Jets, for Beckham’s services last year, but even though Beckham turned in a mostly healthy season and was a key complementary piece in Baltimore’s passing game in 2023, the club is unlikely to re-sign him. Beckham will likely not come close to the $15MM guarantee he secured from the Ravens, and Douglas could view him as a worthy ancillary weapon who could be had for a relatively low cost.
Joe Douglas:
C’mon, man…Zach Wilson AND Lazard for Higgins. That’s fair! (sarc)
Is Higgins a diva? Beckham is a diva and Lazard is now a diva.
Higgins and Garrett would be dope. Of they won’t let Tee slide will he even be happy to play there?
Does it matter? He’ll be playing for a contract with somebody
Well, why not give Hunter Renfroe a look at least, he is free
And would seem like a good complement underneath with a good passer who can utilize the entirety of the field. Those types of quarterbacks generally like good route runners.
Renfrow does seem similar to what the Bills have featured in the past, between McKenzie and especially Beasley. I’m sort of surprised that that connection hasn’t picked up steam. I suppose the Samuel signing fills that role. It seemed that, at least before, the Bills valued that underneath route running specialist type of player. There are other quarterbacks that I could see loving Renfrow though-Herbert or Burrow amongst them. Even though they have a similar player in Olave, you can’t discount the idea of a Saints reunion with Carr, either. Renfrow will probably sign after the draft.
It would cost at least 33 & 39 to get Higgins.
If that’s what the Bengals are looking for, I doubt they get that. Maybe a 2nd and a 4th but Higgins really hasn’t had impressive numbers yet. He’s averaged 64 receptions for 924 yards per season
With Chase and Boyd on the field for most of that. He’s a #1 for at least 10 teams
Contracts pretty much are given out according to your numbers. Higgins may well be a #1 receiver but he’s not gonna get the Bengals anymore than a 2nd and maybe a later round. He’s an unknown as a #1 because Chase got the double coverage. Will Higgins be as good getting doubled
Are you also one of the guys that was sure Fields was going for a 2nd? Are you going to be shocked when/if Higgins is traded for a 3 or 4?
I have no clue what his worth is, but I’ve paid enough attention to know the bengals won’t trade him for anything like a 3rd or 4th. They’d get that in a comp pick anyway. It would have to be a 1st for him the same way the ravens got a first for Hollywood a few years back. Maybe multiple seconds + but that doesn’t seem like the bengals mo.
Higgins has been very solid. I am not sure what you think you are going to get out of a number 2. Last year he was hurt. If he would have played all year he would have been between 70-80 catches and 1000-1200 yards.
Well I am sure that the Chargers could use a wide receiver or two.
The chargers are going to draft nabers, odunze, or Bowers
I’d love to see the packers make a move for Higgins. They have the cap space to accommodate a deal as well as an extra 2nd rounder.
No. Just no. Plenty deep at WR, and they need reps.
They can’t stay healthy, which is ironic that I want Higgins I’m aware.
Adams