Imagine a future… A future where Joe Burrow’s elite passing game is even more unstoppable. The Bengals could be eyeing an offensive weapon. And it can turn their already potent attack into a juggernaut if rumors are to be believed. But, here’s the kicker: it might not be a household name. Burrow might soon have a new weapon. But things are heating up with the uncertainty around the Bengals’ potential trade strategy.

Rumors are swirling. And they’re swirling around a potential trade for the Falcons’ tight end, Kyle Pitts. The NFL offseason is just getting started. But these whispers are hard to ignore. Besides, Pitts isn’t just any tight end. He’s a $32 million investment with unrealized potential. The Bengals have reason to make such a move. Tight end Mike Gesicki is solid. He posted 665 receiving yards and two touchdowns in 2024. But is he spectacular? That’s something the front office must be wondering. Since he is heading into free agency. The Bengals’ rumored interest in Pitts suggests they’re thinking bigger.

Pitts enters the final year of his rookie deal in 2025. And ESPN’s Benjamin Solak recently speculated that Atlanta might consider trading Pitts. “Tight end Kyle Pitts is due $10.8 million on the final year of his deal in 2025. Can the Falcons get more for him in a trade than they would in a compensatory pick after he leaves in free agency? I think they could,” Solak suggested. And he floated the Bengals as a prime landing spot.

“He has a rosier future on an offense that actually fits his skill set. My prediction: Pitts will get dealt to the Bengals for a Day 3 pick,” Solak added. At first glance, Pitts’s numbers don’t scream game-changer. He’s coming off a 602-yard, four-touchdown season. It’s hardly the output expected of a former fourth-overall pick. But the 24-year-old has shown flashes of brilliance. This includes a 1,000-yard Pro Bowl rookie campaign. Pairing him with Burrow could unlock that potential again. Especially in an offense that loves utilizing tight ends.

It’s not just about Pitts’s past. It’s about his future. The Bengals’ offense has proven it can revive careers under Joe Burrow’s leadership. Tight ends seem to thrive in Cincinnati’s scheme. And that makes this potential trade a low-risk, high-reward bet. But what does this mean for the Bengals’ cap space and priorities? Let’s dig deeper.

Tee Higgins’ future: the elephant in the room

Pitts’ trade rumors capture headlines. But another pressing question looms: what’s the plan for Tee Higgins? The star wide receiver is just 25. And he is nearing free agency. The Bengals have yet to lock him into a long-term deal. “Tee is a need, yes,” Burrow stated emphatically last month. “I’m gonna do what it takes to get him back, and so is he. We’ve had those talks. Those are gonna be offseason discussions, but we’re excited about that opportunity.” Burrow’s message to the front office is clear. But will they listen?

Higgins is expected to top free-agent lists if the Bengals let him test the market. Last year, he switched agents. And that’s a move many saw as a precursor to aggressive contract negotiations. Meanwhile, the franchise tag remains an option. But it’s not ideal. Tagging Higgins for $26.1 million in 2025 would buy time. But a long-term deal is perhaps the real goal (at least for Burrow).

Why? Because letting go of core players like Higgins doesn’t help a team win. Higgins has proven his value repeatedly. He ranked as one of Cincinnati’s top four players. His chemistry with Burrow is undeniable. And that makes him vital to the team’s future. Balancing Pitts’s potential with Higgins’ contract demands will be tricky as the Bengals weigh their offseason moves. But this roster could be built for long-term contention if they succeed.

Kyle Pitts and Tee Higgins represent two sides of the Bengals’ offseason coin. Pitts offers the promise of untapped potential. Meanwhile, Higgins is a proven cornerstone. Adding Pitts could elevate the offense to new heights. It would give Joe Burrow another elite target. But retaining Higgins is equally crucial. Since it ensures continuity in a team that’s one or two moves away from dominance. Can Cincinnati afford both? The answer will shape their 2025 outlook.

The Bengals have already shown they’re not afraid to make bold decisions. Now, they must decide which risks are worth taking. The NFL offseason is unpredictable. But the Bengals are probably swinging for the fences. Whether it’s Pitts, Higgins, or both, Cincinnati is betting on Burrow’s brilliance to lead the way.