Tee Higgins, Indianapolis Colts
Getty
ee Higgins #5 of the Cincinnati Bengals looks on before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 21, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
The Indianapolis Colts have had a busy offseason thus far as they look to build off of the first half of last season.
During the first half of the 2025 campaign, the Colts looked like the best team in the NFL. No one could have seen what ended up happening coming. Indianapolis didn’t even make the playoffs.
In the second half of the year, everything went wrong. The team started losing, Daniel Jones went down with a torn Achilles, and the season was over before anyone knew what happened. Heading into the offseason, there was a renewed sense of urgency surrounding the team.
Early on in free agency, the Colts were able to re-sign both Jones and wide receiver Alec Pierce. They have also added pieces like defensive end Arden Key, defensive end Micheal Clemson, cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt, and multiple others.
With that being said, Indianapolis was forced to trade away wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. after re-signing Pierce. That has left a potential need at the position.
Colts Could Go All-In With $115 Million Wide Receiver Trade
Pro Football Focus recently took a look at the best trade asset for each team in the NFL. When it came to the Cincinnati Bengals, Tee Higgins was the name mentioned.
“While Joe Burrow may not be thrilled, the Bengals need to address their defense to better complement their top-tier offense,” they wrote. “Higgins brings reliability and big-play ability, even with some injury concerns, and his contract structure offers cap flexibility for both sides.”
If the Colts want to make an offensive splash to upgrade around Jones, Higgins would be a perfect way to accomplish that goal. He is just 27 years old and is heading into the second year of a four-year contract in 2026.
There is no guarantee that the Bengals would actually trade Higgins. But, if they’re even remotely open to the idea, Indianapolis should consider pursuing him.
What Would Tee Higgins Bring to the Indianapolis Offense?
As mentioned by Pro Football Focus, Higgins has shown flashes of being a No. 1 wideout. He has been unable to fully showcase that ability due to being overshadowed by Ja’Marr Chase.
Last season in Cincinnati, Higgins played in 15 games. He caught 59 passes for 846 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Throughout his entire six-year career, all of which have been played for the Bengals, Higgins has totaled 389 receptions for 5,441 yards and 45 touchdowns in 85 games.
Adding that kind of production would be an upgrade over Pittman. It’s the kind of move that Chris Ballard and the front office should still be open to making this offseason.
Depending on what Cincinnati would demand in return for Higgins, the Colts would be a perfect trade partner if the wideout is placed on the trade block.