Jets insider predicts Justin Fields will choose New York over Steelers

After months of speculation, the Cincinnati Bengals have officially placed the franchise tag on star wide receiver Tee Higgins. Higgins himself hinted at the news with a cryptic one-word post on X that simply read, “tag.” Shortly after, NFL insiders confirmed the move, dashing the hopes of Pittsburgh Steelers fans who had been dreaming of a blockbuster free agency signing.
Given Higgins’ impact on the field, it’s no shock that Cincinnati chose to tag him for a second consecutive season. Standing at 6'4", he’s a matchup nightmare for defenders, and the Bengals weren’t willing to let him walk away. Keeping their offensive firepower intact was clearly a priority.
For Steelers fans, the idea of poaching Higgins wasn’t just about strengthening their own squad—it was also about dealing a major blow to a divisional rival. Landing a premier receiver while weakening Joe Burrow’s arsenal would have been the ultimate win-win scenario. But with the franchise tag in place, that dream is now off the table.
While the prospect of signing Higgins was always a long shot, Pittsburgh still has opportunities to make waves in free agency. The reality is that Higgins would have commanded a massive contract, and history suggests the Steelers aren’t the type to outbid multiple teams for a top-tier free agent. Their biggest signing in terms of annual salary was linebacker Patrick Queen, and his deal came nowhere near what Higgins would have demanded on the open market.
That said, the Steelers can still bolster their receiving corps. If they’re looking for an experienced playmaker, veterans like Chris Godwin, Amari Cooper, or Stefon Diggs could be on their radar. If they aim for a more cost-effective approach, options like Darius Slayton or Demarcus Robinson might be more realistic targets.
But wide receiver isn’t the only position of need for Pittsburgh. Defensive reinforcements could also be a priority, with players like Milton Williams or Teven Jenkins potentially strengthening the trenches. Additionally, the Steelers have concerns at cornerback, where someone like Charvarius Ward or Byron Murphy could be a valuable addition alongside Joey Porter Jr.
While none of these moves would have the same immediate impact as signing Tee Higgins, the Steelers still have plenty of opportunities to improve their roster. Free agency is just getting started, and Pittsburgh has the chance to put together an impressive haul to remain competitive in the AFC.
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