Bengals Tee Higgins Trey Hendrickson ask leave double blow

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins requests trade, along with Trey Hendrickson, as team faces contract negotiations and draft decisions.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins has made a bold move by requesting a trade from the team. Alongside teammate Trey Hendrickson, both players have expressed their desire to explore new opportunities, putting pressure on the Bengals to negotiate a deal within a tight timeframe.

The Bengals are facing a dilemma as they aim to retain both Higgins and Hendrickson for the upcoming season. However, the players are seeking long-term security through new contracts, a demand that the team is hesitant to meet. With key players like quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase also in need of extensions, the Bengals are forced to consider the possibility of parting ways with Higgins and Hendrickson to prioritize their financial commitments.

Despite the potential for a deal to be reached after the NFL Draft, the likelihood diminishes as the Bengals would require draft compensation to replace the departing starters. Losing Higgins, who has been a reliable target alongside Chase, may have been anticipated by the team. However, Hendrickson's departure could pose a significant challenge, given his exceptional performance as a top defensive player with 17.5 sacks in the previous season.

Hendrickson, who made a notable impact since joining the Bengals from the New Orleans Saints, has proven to be a disruptive force on the defensive line with 40 sacks over the past three seasons. As he enters the final year of his contract, the pass-rusher is seeking an extension to continue his tenure with the team. Yet, with financial constraints looming, a potential deal could see Hendrickson commanding a day two draft pick.

On the other hand, Higgins holds value in the trade market, with the potential to secure a first-round pick for the Bengals if they decide to part ways with him. Despite being a second-choice option in recent years, Higgins has showcased his talent with 24 touchdowns in his first four seasons. Teams such as the Jacksonville Jaguars, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Indianapolis Colts are reportedly interested in adding a receiver to their roster, with Higgins emerging as a potential target.

As the anticipation builds for the NFL Draft, scheduled to commence on Thursday evening, the Bengals face crucial decisions that will shape their roster for the upcoming season. With trade talks and negotiations underway, the outcome remains uncertain as the team navigates the complexities of roster management and financial constraints.