Tee Higgins and Trey Hendrickson of the Cincinnati Bengals have indicated their willingness to be traded, giving the team a short window of time to finalise a transaction.
The Bengals are eager to keep both of the players who have contracts through the 2019 season, but they also want long-term security in the form of a new agreement, something the organisation doesn’t seem to be willing to settle on.The Bengals would prefer to have both players, but they know they will have to part ways with both Higgins and Hendrickson if they don’t give quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase significant deals in the upcoming months.
It’s less probable that a deal will be completed after the NFL Draft because Cincinnati would require draft compensation to replace both players.
With Chase still in the lineup, the Bengals might have been ready for the loss of their top wide receiver, Higgins. Still, Hendrickson’s loss might be a major blow. With 17.5 sacks this season, the pass-rusher has been the team’s best defensive player.
After coming to the Bengals from the New Orleans Saints in the 2021 offseason, Hendrickson has amassed 40 sacks in the last three seasons, demonstrating his ability to cause havoc on their defensive line.
He is asking for an extension to stay with the team as he is in the last year of his deal. However, if a deal is reached, the pass-rusher might fetch a second-round draft pick because Cincinnati needs to pay their quarterback and receiver.
On the other hand, should the Bengals choose to part ways with Higgins, he may guarantee them a first-round pick. Despite being a second-choice option for the last three years, the talented receiver has scored 24 touchdowns in his first four seasons.
Aiyuk of the San Francisco 49ers is allegedly of interest to a number of teams, including the Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars
, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Indianapolis, who may decide to turn their attention to Higgins.
On Thursday, the first round of the draft begins at 8 p.m. ET, and deals are anticipated to be made all night long.
