Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (5) and wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) dance after Chase scored a touchdown in the 4th quarter to beat the Dallas Cowboys in Monday Night Football at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Monday, December 9, 2024.
Tee Higgins, wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals, is set to command a major contract in free agency, and recent moves suggest he’s gearing up for a significant payday. Drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Higgins has spent four seasons developing alongside quarterback Joe Burrow, cementing himself as one of the league’s top outside receivers. In his rookie year, Higgins made an immediate impact with 67 catches for 908 yards and six touchdowns, quickly becoming a central figure in Cincinnati’s offense.
Following the Bengals’ selection of Ja’Marr Chase in 2021, Higgins formed a dynamic duo with Chase that has been one of the most potent receiving tandems in the NFL. Despite facing some injury setbacks, Higgins has remained a valuable deep-threat when healthy. At just 25 years old, Higgins still has plenty of prime years ahead and is expected to be one of the most sought-after free agents this offseason. His decision to part ways with his agent ahead of free agency signals his readiness to secure a top-tier contract. Although Higgins is playing under the franchise tag, his long-term future in Cincinnati looks uncertain, as the Bengals will face a financial challenge in keeping both Higgins and Chase. As a result, the Bengals are likely to lose Higgins, and several teams—most notably the New England Patriots, Kansas City Chiefs, and Los Angeles Chargers—are poised to pursue him aggressively.
New England Patriots: A Rebuilding Opportunity
The New England Patriots are in the midst of a rebuild, with their main focus in 2024 being the development of rookie quarterback Drake Maye. Despite a lack of elite offensive weapons and an underperforming offensive line, Maye’s strong rookie season has made him the centerpiece of the franchise’s future. Now, the Patriots need to surround him with talent, and fortunately, they have the financial resources to do so. With a projected $132.5 million in cap space for 2025, New England is in an excellent position to sign Higgins and still have enough funds to improve their offensive line and other key areas. While the Patriots’ struggles in attracting free agents in recent years have been well-documented, Maye’s presence should make the team more appealing to potential signees. A legitimate playmaker like Higgins could provide Maye with a reliable target and elevate the entire offense, especially with better protection up front.
Kansas City Chiefs: A Missing Piece for the Offense
The Kansas City Chiefs, despite their success, are still looking for a true replacement for Tyreek Hill. While their offense remains efficient, it has been less explosive compared to previous seasons, largely due to a lack of top-tier weapons outside of Travis Kelce. The Chiefs have managed to win close games this year, but their offense has struggled at times. With Kelce beginning to show signs of decline, the Chiefs need a vertical threat to keep their passing attack dynamic. Higgins would be an ideal fit, offering a deep threat to stretch defenses and complement Kansas City’s offensive scheme. With the expected emergence of Rashee Rice alongside Higgins, the Chiefs could have one of the most dangerous offenses in the NFL by 2025, potentially regaining the explosiveness they once had.
Los Angeles Chargers: Boosting Justin Herbert’s Weapons
The Los Angeles Chargers are another team that could greatly benefit from Higgins’ services. While rookie receiver Ladd McConkey has shown promise, the rest of the Chargers’ wide receiver depth chart is lacking. Quentin Johnston, though talented, is better suited for a depth role, and the remaining options haven’t been able to step up. Justin Herbert, one of the league’s top quarterbacks, needs a true number-one receiver to take the Chargers’ offense to the next level. Head coach Jim Harbaugh has emphasized a strong run game, but with around $76 million in cap space, the Chargers could afford to add a playmaker like Higgins to bolster their aerial attack. Pairing Higgins with Herbert could significantly elevate the Chargers’ offense and help them keep pace with the NFL’s elite teams.
Conclusion: Higgins’ Future in the Balance
With his impressive skill set, young age, and a looming payday, Tee Higgins is one of the most coveted free agents in the upcoming market. The Bengals may find it difficult to keep both him and Ja’Marr Chase due to financial constraints, making a departure likely. Teams like the Patriots, Chiefs, and Chargers will be competing to secure Higgins’ services, each offering a unique opportunity for the dynamic receiver to make an immediate impact. Whether it’s joining a young QB like Maye in New England, complementing the Chiefs’ offense, or helping Herbert in Los Angeles, Higgins’ next move will be crucial in shaping his career and the future of whichever team lands him.
