Higgins has developed into one of quarterback Joe Burrow’s top weapons in Cincinnati since the two entered the NFL together in the 2020 draft. While a hamstring injury limited him to just 12 games in 2023, the 25-year-old surpassed 1,000 yards in 2021 and 2022.

He also has seven games of postseason experience under his belt, recording 457 yards and three touchdowns in the playoffs throughout his career.

Teams that are interested in Higgins will need to have some future cap space, as he’ll expect a long-term deal following a potential trade.

The Patriots are slated to have roughly $144 million in effective cap space in 2025, the most of any NFL team (per Over the Cap). New England selected its future franchise quarterback with the No. 3 overall pick, adding former North Carolina signal-caller Drake Maye.

While the Patriots drafted wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk in the second round as well as wideout Javon Baker in the fourth round, they don’t have an established receiver such as Higgins on the roster heading into the 2024 season.

With Maye on a rookie contract, New England could continue to build around him by acquiring the Bengals’ standout receiver.

Although it would be surprising to see a trade occur between two division rivals such as the Steelers and Bengals, a deal isn’t completely out of the question. Andrew Fillipponi of 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh reported on April 12 that the Steelers have held “internal discussions” regarding a Higgins trade.

Pittsburgh will have $93.9 million in effective cap space in 2025, giving the front office more than enough room to afford a possible long-term contract. With the Steelers adding Russell Wilson in free agency, general manager Omar Khan could pair Higgins with George Pickens as the team attempts a playoff push.

Former Michigan receiver Roman Wilson was selected by Pittsburgh in the third round of the 2024 draft, although that doesn’t necessarily mean that another addition to the wide receiver room is completely off the table.

With Keenan Allen’s trade and Mike Williams’ departure in free agency, Los Angeles has addressed its need at wide receiver in the draft. Georgia’s Ladd McConkey was picked with the No. 34 selection, while USC’s Brenden Rice went to the Chargers in the seventh round.

While both rookies are talented, they may not be ready to immediate contribute at a high level alongside Justin Herbert. With $98.4 million in effective cap space in 2025, the Chargers and head coach Jim Harbaugh could target Higgins.