Tee Higgins' contract ends with the Bengals in 2025. From the standpoint of fit, Cincinnati might still be Higgins' best choice but the money will likely drive a different choice.
Welcome to Week 13 of the 2024 Footballguys Roundtable. Our intrepid panel of fantasy pundits discusses and debates four topics every week. We split the conversation into separate features.
This week's roundtable features these four topics:
- Thanksgiving Day Sleepers
- Favorite 2025 NFL Draft Prospect
- Aaron Rodgers in 2025
- Tee Higgins in 2025 (see below)
Let's roll.
Tee Higgins in 2025
Matt Waldman: Where do you think the best fit is for Tee Higgins when he becomes a free agent? If money wasn't the issue, is there a better fit for Higgins than Cincinnati?
Justin Howe: Washington makes the most sense. It’s an ascending offense badly in need of downfield firepower. Consider that Jayden Daniels opened the year by hitting 75% of his throws at an 8.5 average through the first 6 weeks. Ever since – when we adjust for eye-popping Hail Marys – he’s fallen to just 60% and 6.6. There’s no excuse for such a dynamic passer to be sending 37% of his throws to Noah Brown and The Ghost of Zach Ertz.
I’d also like to see the Chargers throw their hat into the ring. He and Ladd McConkey look complementary: McConkey in the slots and up the seams, with Higgins working downfield to take advantage of Herbert’s massive arm. I feel more comfortable every week in writing off Quentin Johnston in that role.
Jason Wood: Tee Higgins' constant injury struggles mask just how astoundingly talented he is, and I believe he'll break the bank this offseason for a team desperate for a No. 1 option. Based on a look at current rosters, salary caps, and draft capital, I see a few teams as the most likely fits for Higgins.
New England — The Patriots are projected to have more than $117 million in effective cap space, meaning they'll be significant players in free agency across multiple positions. Drake Maye has shown enough flashes in recent weeks to confidently build an offense around him, and Higgins would step into the unquestioned lead role he likely covets.
Washington — The Commanders appear to have turned things around quickly thanks to hitting on Jayden Daniels, but their quarterback has struggled with consistency as a passer in recent weeks after a strong September. Part of the problem is the complete lack of viable options beyond Terry McLaurin. Pairing Higgins with McLaurin would give Daniels far greater flexibility and open up the passing attack in a way that could vault the Commanders into NFC contention.
Dark horse options include the Steelers and Broncos, as both teams could use an alpha receiver and will have money to spend. However, neither franchise is known for making big splashes in free agency at the receiver position.
Matt Bitonti: New England is an interesting fit, and Higgins will certainly have that option. But it would be a great storyline if Higgins somehow ended up in Baltimore facing the Bengals twice a year.
Waldman: Higgins would be an intriguing fit there because he'd be an excellent boundary complement to the receivers who do the bulk of their work in the middle of the field. He'd probably have a low shot of reaching incentives in that offense because of how much work the Ravens offense does with two and three tight ends.
Dan Hindery: I like Matt's suggestion of New England. The Patriots can’t draft wide receivers, and Drake Maye desperately needs some weapons. It seems like a match made in heaven. Maye has shown surprisingly good accuracy as a rookie and has the arm strength to get the ball deep down the field, whereas Higgins has had plenty of success with his size, build-up speed, and contested catch wizardry.
Sean Settle: Higgins is a big-time No.1 receiver who is overshadowed by Ja'Marr Chase and his constant string of injuries. He will command a steep price tag when he hits free agency this summer and will have to weigh money versus his desire to win in his career.
There are three teams with the cap space and need for a No.1 receiver in Carolina, New England, and Washington. Higgins should take the Diontae Johnson in Carolina story to heart when deciding that their offer is nothing but money. Carolina needs more than just Higgins to compete and if he wants to win any time soon it should not be Carolina.
New England has looked better with Drake Maye under center and has no real offensive weapons to support him. It would be an intriguing destination, but they are not known for big offensive spending in the offseason.
Washington feels like a prime fit right now, with Jayden Daniels quickly turning the franchise around. Outside of Terry McLaurin, Washington lacks any receiver depth. Higgins would be a major upgrade of Noah Brown, and the offense could be much more effective. Washington projects as one of the top free agent destinations this offseason with its quick turnaround, and Higgins would be a great fit.
Waldman: I'm Thanks for reading. Check out the links below for all of this week's roundtable topics:
Good luck!
