Bengals get Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins trade costs trending in opposite directions

The Cincinnati Bengals are heading into the 2026 season with a lot of optimism, as the revamped defense and returning elite offense could form into a Super Bowl-caliber roster.

But there's still a chance that things go south. If that does happen, a lot of big trade questions might need to be asked, especially if Joe Burrow demands to be traded. The two big names to keep in mind are obviously Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.

ESPN's Bill Barnwell projected trade costs onto the WR duo, and while both are worth at least a first-round pick, they're trending in opposite directions.

Trade value for Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins is trending in opposite directions

"Two first-round picks: WR Ja'Marr Chase," Barnwell writes. "This would be a lot to pay for a wide receiver already making just over $40 million per season, but Chase has been remarkably productive since entering the league and just turned 26 in March."

If the Bengals were ever to trade Chase, multiple first-round picks would likely be the bare minimum in a deal. His huge contract might complicate things a little bit, but any team with a hole at WR would surely love to land Chase.

But when it comes to Higgins, the trade cost is a bit different. Not only is he worth less, which shouldn't be a surprise, but the vibes around this trade value aren't great.

"One first-round pick: WR Tee Higgins..." Barnwell writes. "Higgins has repeatedly struggled with frustrating injuries over the past few seasons, and with a significant contract on the books, I'm not sure there would be the same sort of market for him as there was a year or two ago."

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While Chase might be able to bring back two first-rounders, and potentially even more in the likely event of a bidding war, Higgins value might not be nearly as high as it otherwise should be.

A first-round pick might be the best the Bengals could get, as the expensive 27-year-old WR is older than Chase, has dealt with injury issues, and isn't as good as the top Bengals receiver.

But, even with the problems for Higgins, he should still fetch a first-round pick. He's a talented WR, and players like him should bring back value, especially since he'd be a huge upgrade for most teams' WR rooms.

While Higgins' trade cost might be heading downward, Chase, barring injury, is likely only trending up. It's an interesting trade dynamic, and one that hopefully won't ever have to be explored by the Bengals.

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