Don’t expect the Carolina Panthers to flip yesterday’s pittance for Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins.
On Monday, the organization finally put an end to the Brian Burns saga—trading the two-time Pro Bowl pass rusher to the New York Giants for some draft capital. The haul includes this year’s 39th overall pick, a swap of 2024 fifth-rounders and a 2025 fifth-rounder.
While the return is a bit of bummer, especially considering what the Panthers could’ve had for Burns 16 months ago, some have speculated that the 39th selection could be used to acquire Higgins. The 25-year-old, who is seeking a long-term deal of his own, reportedly requested a trade from the Bengals yesterday.
But according to CBS Sports lead NFL insider Jonathan Jones, there is no fire to go with that manufactured smoke. Jones tweeted this morning that no conversations have taken place between Carolina and Cincinnati and that a trade for Higgins is “not likely to happen.”
He also notes that the Panthers, who are in the process of rebuilding under new general manager Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales, are unlikely to unload their picks for a veteran.
In addition to that No. 39 pick, Carolina is also in possession of their own second-rounder this spring—No. 33. And with the 2024 draft class being particularly deep at the wideout position, those selections could be used to double dip on a pair of potent (and relatively cheap) pass catchers.
