Wide receiver Tee Higgins had what might be the greatest performance of his storied career during what could be his final home game as a member of the Cincinnati Bengals. Fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive against an elite Denver Broncos defense, the former second-round pick dominated to the tune of 11 receptions for 131 yards and three touchdowns in their thrilling 30-24 overtime victory.
Originally selected in the same draft as franchise quarterback Joe Burrow, Higgins spent the past four seasons establishing himself as one of the most reliable boundary receivers in football. Averaging over 1,100 yards per 17 games, the wide receiver will be a free agent following the season and should earn a massive payday. While he could re-sign with the Bengals, the wide receiver knows his time in Cincinnati could be over soon and recently spoke about his uncertain future.
“Pay the man” Ja’Marr Chase talking out loud to Tee Higgins during Higgins session with the media. Tee Higgins “this could be the last game in Stripes here so it meant a lot more to me.” pic.twitter.com/ZD1stiQFOU
— Mike Petraglia (@Trags) December 29, 2024
Tee Higgins Addresses Potential Free Agent Departure Following Dominant Broncos Performance
While public outcry to extend Tee Higgins has increased, it’s still hard to envision the wide receiver returning to Cincinnati. Wide receivers are one of the most important positions in today’s pass-happy NFL, and Higgins is the top player projected to reach the market. The wide receiver could receive a $120 million contract, and the Bengals don’t have the financial resources to easily make that type of offer.
Quarterback Joe Burrow is the most important part of the team, and Cincinnati already gave him a massive extension. Additionally, while Ja’Marr Chase is still playing on his rookie deal, it’s only a matter of time before he receives a record-breaking deal of his own. The Bengals might not be able to justify paying top dollar for three offensive players, but that won’t stop other teams across the league from throwing money at the impending free agent.
Possible Destinations
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots are the NFL’s least talented team by a wide margin. While first-round pick Drake Maye looks like a franchise savior, the rest of the roster must be rebuilt from the ground up. Fortunately, they have the money to dramatically improve the team over the coming months. Armed with over $131 million in projected cap space, New England can sign Higgins and still rebuild their offensive line while bringing on some pass rushers.
Los Angeles Chargers
Rookie Ladd McConkey is the real deal, but the Chargers know the team must add more wide receivers to get the most out of this roster. While head coach Jim Harbaugh wants to win games on the ground, the fact he tried to land Diontae Johnson suggests the team will look to improve the wide receiver room in the coming months. After cleaning up the mess of the previous offseason, Harbaugh and company can go crazy in the upcoming free agency with over $76 million in spending money.
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers have promising young playmakers in Xavier Legette, Ja’Tavion Sanders, and undrafted free agent Jalen Coker. While these players could develop into legitimate NFL weapons, it wouldn’t hurt to add a proven star like Tee Higgins into the mix. Bryce Young is starting to play like a franchise quarterback, and adding a legitimate WR1 like Higgins is the best way to ensure he will continue to grow in 2025.
Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City’s interest in Tee Higgins will depend on what happens with Rashee Rice. The former second-round pick must still answer for his offseason car crash and could miss a sizable portion of the 2025 season. If that happens, don’t be surprised if the Chiefs pursue Higgins in free agency. While first-round pick Xavier Worthy seems to be coming into his own, DeAndre Hopkins and Marquise Brown will be free agents. Higgins has a similar play style to Hopkins, making him an ideal fit for this passing attack.
Main Photo: Sam Greene – USA Today Sports
