For all but two teams, the 2024 offseason has begun. Focus has shifted to next season as clubs attempt to field the best possible roster. One of the biggest names in this free agency this year will be Bengals wide receiver, Tee Higgins.
Higgins, 25 , already has an impressive resume at the pro level. Since entering the league in 2020, Higgins ranks inside the top-20 in receiving yards and touchdowns. The 6’4″ wideout has been an exceptional option for Cincinnati opposite Ja’Marr Chase. But with Higgins hitting the market as an unrestricted free agent, it could be time for a significant payday elsewhere.
Three Landing Spots for Tee Higgins in Free Agency
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers must do something this offseason to address their lack of playmakers. Hiring Dave Canales as head coach is an encouraging first step, but this roster desperately needs help. Higgins could be the guy to turn things around.
Carolina was leaning on 33-year-old receiver Adam Thielen as their de-facto WR1 this season. This plan had “disaster” written all over it from the start. Thielen did everything he could, but the Panthers’ receiver room was lackluster overall.
A signing of this caliber is a must for Bryce Young’s sake. Carolina traded a haul to select Young but didn’t have a plan beyond that. Signing a quarterback-friendly target like Higgins will give Carolina a fair assessment of their #1 pick.
Tennessee Titans
Tennessee is also figuring out who their quarterback of the future is. Will Levis flashed as a rookie, accomplishing enough to secure the starting job for 2024. Acquiring Higgins would put Tennessee’s 2nd year quarterback in a terrific spot to succeed. Given his ties to Tennessee, this move makes sense for Higgins.
He played high school football in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, where he became a prolific prospect. Higgins was a four-star recruit and won the Tennessee Titans Mr. Football award twice in high school. Higgins’ professional relationships point to the Titans being a perfect fit. Tennessee recently hired Brian Callahan, ex-Bengals offensive coordinator, as their head coach. With $73.9 million in cap space, Tennessee can’t let this opportunity pass them by.
Jacksonville Jaguars
If Higgins doesn’t want to be a part of a rebuild, consider the Jaguars for a potential landing spot. A late-season collapse caused Jacksonville to miss the playoffs, but they have a bright future. Looking ahead to 2024, the Jaguars are surprisingly thin at wide receiver. Although Calvin Ridley only spent one season with Jacksonville, the team could let him walk in free agency.
The Jaguars owe the Falcons a 3rd round draft pick for acquiring Calvin Ridley. But that changes to a 2nd round pick if Jacksonville re-signs Ridley. Jacksonville will need a perimeter wide receiver if Ridley leaves town. Who better to fill in than Tee Higgins? He’s experienced playing with Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne from their days at Clemson.
Honorable Mentions:
Arizona Cardinals
Arizona is searching for a top wideout, but they might find one in the draft rather than free agency. Landing Marvin Harrison Jr. or Malik Nabers is highly likely.
New England Patriots
The Patriots need wide receivers, but more importantly, they need a quarterback. They’re hoping to find one in the draft this April. New England is less than ideal for Higgins due to the uncertainty.
New York Giants
The Giants need a wide receiver and have plenty of cap space to sign one. But it’s hard work convincing one to play with Daniel Jones under center.
Main Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
