Proposed Patriots Trade Swaps JuJu Smith-Schuster For $21.18 Million Wide Receiver

The New England Patriots reshaped the entire roster heading into the 2024 NFL season. They parted ways with some of the players on the 2023 squad and it seems like Jerod Mayo will cut a few more. According to a recent trade proposal, the Patriots should trade JuJu Smith-Schuster and get Tee Higgins.

Losing Smith-Schuster won’t be a blow for the Patriots. He didn’t have a mind-blowing performance in 2023 and the Patriots are advised to move on from him.

The Cincinnati Bengals may agree to a trade with the Patriots. They’d get Smith-Schuster and a fourth-round pick. Higgins has a $21.81 franchise tag and a desire to stay with the Bengals.

“I do anticipate it,” Higgins told WLWT on April 14. “I’ve grown a love for Cincy that I didn’t think I would, but, you know, man, looking forward to it.”

Patriots have a reason to trade Smith-Schuster

It’s interesting to note that Higgins requested a trade from the Bengals on March 11. He can get a four-year deal worth $74.4 million, per Spotrac. The Bengals should make a decision on his future and offer him a better deal.

The Boston Herald reported that the Patriots are trying to part ways with Smith-Schuster in the offseason. He sustained injuries in 2023 and finished the season with 29 catches for 260 yards and a touchdown.

Just an unbelievable catch and stretch by Tee Higgins for the TD pic.twitter.com/B7ZUxCTbRP

— Cincinnati 💔 (@CincyProblems) December 16, 2023

Alex Kay from Bleacher Report has a trade proposal. The Patriots can also get a sixth-round selection in the trade.

“The Pats would be hard-pressed to find a better option on the trade market than Higgins,” Kay wrote. “He’s still young enough to develop alongside their rookie quarterback for the foreseeable future, but he already has enough experience to provide veteran savvy and leadership both on the field and in the locker room.

“The move would fill one of the biggest holes on the Patriots roster and help form the foundation of what should be a complete overhaul of the club’s receiving corps. The Bengals would also benefit by bringing in what should be an impact rookie at No. 34 overall, a spot where they can land one of the top prospects who slipped through the first-round cracks.”