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In a stunning development, a top superstar wide receiver has requested a trade just one day before the NFL Draft.

According to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins has requested a trade on the eve of the 2024 NFL Draft. This news came just minutes after Schefter reported that star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson also requested a trade.

Schefter noted that Higgins and the Bengals haven’t discussed a potential contract extension “in over a year.” Regarding Hendrickson, Schefter reports that the superstar pass-rusher “is looking for more long-term security than Cincinnati has been willing to offer.”

The Bengals placed the franchise tag on Higgins earlier this offseason, ensuring that he wouldn’t hit free agency. Though the 25-year-old requested a trade soon after, he recently suggested to the media that he’s keen on returning to Cincinnati in 2024:

So it’s indeed a surprise to see Higgins request a trade again, 10 days after making those comments to reporters. At any rate, GM Duke Tobin and company now have one day to field offers and get the best possible return for Higgins if they decide to honor his request.

Several Big Names Could Get Traded During NFL Draft

And just like that, two of the Bengals’ cornerstone pieces are players to monitor on the trade market before the conclusion of round one in the NFL Draft.

Higgins and Hendrickson aren’t the only notable stars who could be traded during draft weekend in Detroit. Keep an eye on Denver Broncos All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain II, especially if Sean Payton and company look to trade up for a quarterback.

San Francisco 49ers superstar wideout Brandon Aiyuk has also been floated as a possible trade candidate, as the two sides have yet to agree on a contract extension. Considering that Aiyuk is worth at least one first-round pick, Thursday feels like the day where GM John Lynch will have to make a final call on his WR1.