Could Pittsburgh Steal Tee Higgins From Cincinnati?

Speaking to the Cincinnati Enquirer, Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin expressed that a reunion is possible but not imminent.

"We feel like we have the resources to do it," Tobin said to Kelsey Conway, "but it all depends on how the negotiation goes and whether they're willing to accept wanting to come back at a number that makes sense for everybody. And you know what we do with Tee going forward, I've always been very upfront in my desire to have Tee Higgins on our team.

“I've never not been upfront about that, and that desire continues, but we have to be able to come together with his representation on what that means and what the right number is for his experience, for his play time, for his production."

The Bengals have little reason to let Higgins walk, outside of cap constraints and hefty bonuses ownership may not love. But even in a salary cap league, two parties wanting something bad enough generally ends in a deal getting done.

If Higgins hits the open market, though, he would compete, if not beat, Cincinnati’s offer. That’s where Pittsburgh comes in.

“Rumor: Steelers LOVE Tee Higgins,” Andrew Fillipponi tweeted. “And would be willing to give him MORE than they were willing to pay Brandon Aiyuk in a trade last summer. Could mean as much as $30 million a year. Stay tuned.”

It remains possible that Higgins surpasses that $30 million mark. The top receivers (by average annual value) already do, and Higgins is as likely as any to set the market with his deal. While aspects of his game overlap with Pickens – both excel above the rim – Higgins would be the Steelers’ top receiver with little doubt.

He’s more talented and consistent; and frankly money talks in terms of earning targets. Like Higgins did with Ja’Marr Chase, providing a second quality option helps the passing offense and opens up the ground game a little more. Both are issues Pittsburgh struggled with in 2024 and could help whoever ends up under center in 2025.

Perhaps most lucrative would be the ability to gain ground on a division rival. The Steelers finished ahead of the Bengals in 2024, but if Joe Burrow goes scorched earth again, any regression to the mean makes the defense formidable enough to top Pittsburgh.

Being able to add a star like Higgins – who posted 911 yards and 10 touchdowns in just 12 games – while making Cincinnati that much worse is something worth getting excited about. However, it remains a waiting game. Until Higgins hits the open market, Pittsburgh’s hopes are tied to something they have no control over.