Tee Higgins requests trade: Is he a realistic option for the Jets?

The Jets need a wide receiver and Cincinnati Bengals star Tee Higgins, who was franchised tagged last week, requested a trade Monday as free agency begins.

So is there a chance Higgins could end up with the Jets? Don’t get your hopes up.

First of all, it’s highly unlikely the Bengals will trade Higgins without giving up a massive haul: they view themselves as Super Bowl contenders and it’s going to take a lot of assets to convince them it’s worth it go give up a year of Higgins to pair with Ja’Marr Chase and Joe Burrow as they make another run toward a championship.

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Meanwhile, Jets GM Joe Douglas has consistently been hesitant to trade away any assets even when players at a position of need are available: just a few days ago the Broncos traded receiver Jerry Jeudy to the Browns in a trade involving late-round picks. It’s not the first time that has happened in Douglas’ tenure, so it’s hard to imagine him breaking the bank on a deal for Higgins.

And speaking of the bank, the Jets’ salary cap situation makes it even less likely that they pursue Higgins. They came into free agency with about $25 million in cap space to spend. And that was before they gave kicker Greg Zuerlein a two-year deal worth more than $8 million total. Higgins is set to make $21.8 million on the franchise tag this year. Yes, the Jets can clear some more cap space with restructures and cuts, but to devote that much money toward Higgins makes no sense when they have so much work to do in upgrading their offensive line as well.

Finally, this wide receiver draft class is regarded as one of the deepest in recent NFL history, and it’s not just impressive at the top of the draft where three receivers are expected to go in the top 10 picks. There could be a chance to find a day-1 starter in the late rounds. And with the Jets seeking to balance a tricky cap situation with their need to fill other holes, a trade for a big-name wide receiver has never made sense and it doesn’t make sense now with Higgins asking to hit the trade market.

Expect the Jets to address the issue by signing a mid-level option at receiver and taking a couple swings at the position in the NFL Draft.

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Andy Vasquez may be reached at avasquez@njadvancemedia.com.