Tee Higgins (Photo by Matt Kelley/Getty Images)

A new front-runner has emerged to land Cincinnati Bengals star wide receiver Tee Higgins if they move him before Tuesday’s trade deadline.

Tee Higgins has been the subject of trade rumors since the offseason. The fifth-year wideout and the Bengals couldn’t agree on a long-term extension, but he agreed to play 2024 under the franchise tender.

At 4-5, the Bengals don’t exactly resemble a Super Bowl contender this year. Higgins has also missed four games due to injury, so the front office should be open to moving the big-bodied wideout.

According to the Bovada Sportsbook, the Los Angeles Chargers are the co-favorites to land Tee Higgins before the deadline. Jim Harbaugh’s squad is in the playoff picture with a 5-3 record, so don’t be surprised if the Bolts are aggressive over the next 24 hours.

The 25-year-old Tee Higgins recorded 67-plus catches and over 900 yards receiving in each of his first three NFL seasons. Unfortunately, he’s missed nine games due to injury dating back to last year.

Higgins’ best season came in 2021, when he hauled in 74 receptions for 1,091 yards and six touchdowns. His efforts helped Cincy to a Super Bowl 56 appearance, where they fell to Matthew Stafford’s Los Angeles Rams.

For his career, Higgins has 286 receptions, 4025 yards and 27 touchdowns in 63 games.

Tee Higgins Would Make Chargers Super Bowl Contenders

The Chargers have an elite quarterback in Justin Herbert, the league’s No. 1 scoring defense (allowing just 12.6 points per game) and an explosive ground game led by JK Dobbins (620 yards, six touchdowns).

If there’s one thing missing, it’s another playmaking wide receiver. Rookie Ladd McConkey leads the way with 35 catches for 440 yards and four touchdowns, but the Bolts’ WR depth is thin behind him.

Adding Higgins to the mix would address the Bolts’ last pressing need and establish them as legitimate title contenders.