Bengals And Vikings Should Trade Away Tee Higgins And Justin Jefferson

This story is for the Cincinnati Bengals and Minnesota Vikings to consider as they strategize how to handle their similarly difficult situations with star receivers Tee Higgins and Justin Jefferson:

Exactly two years ago next week, the Kansas City Chiefs had Tyreek Hill on their roster and it was amazing because, just as he is now, he was dynamic then. He was one of the best players on his team and his chemistry with quarterback Patrick Mahomes was unquestionable. All about the situation felt right because Hill was like part of the family.

Except the moment arrived when the Chiefs had to separate the family's emotions and business. 

Hill wanted to be rewarded for his multiple 1,000-yard seasons in a big way and the Chiefs, struggling to manage the salary cap anchored by a big Mahomes contract, were struggling to keep their best players and stay competitive.

So the Chiefs traded Hill to the Miami Dolphins.

The Chiefs got Miami's 2022 first-round pick, second-round pick, and fourth-round pick, plus a fourth-round pick and sixth-round pick in 2023. 

The Dolphins got a dynamic player that for two seasons has toyed with being the NFL's MVP and is unquestionably the best player on his new team. So the Dolphins clearly benefited from their investment. 

But the Chiefs, basically forced into the transaction, were neither derailed nor delayed from their ultimate goals.

The Chiefs have won consecutive Super Bowls without Tyreek Hill. 

And with that in mind, we should turn our attention to the Vikings as they deal with Jefferson and the Bengals as they deal with Higgins.

Both teams would be wise to trade their star receivers. 

Because keeping them feels right, and probably would bring a short-term benefit. But that short-term gain