Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins is one of the biggest names on the free agent market, and the Los Angeles Chargers are one of several teams that will likely make a strong push for the veteran. A second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Higgins quickly established himself as one of the league’s more dangerous perimeter receivers. After recording over 900 yards by himself as a rookie, the Bengals added Ja’Marr Chase and created the league’s best wide receiver duo.
While injuries limited him to just 12 games last year, Higgins was unstoppable when on the field. Finishing the year with 73 receptions for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns, the five-year veteran helped compensate for a terrible defense and had the Bengals on the verge of making the postseason. However, all good things must come to an end, and the wide receiver will likely depart in free agency. While Pro Football Focus believes the Chargers are the best fit for Tee Higgins, teams like the Carolina Panthers and New England Patriots should also fight for his services.
PFF: Chargers Are Best Fit For Free Agent Tee Higgins
The Los Angeles Chargers made it to the playoffs in the first year of the Jim Harbaugh Era despite a complete lack of talent at the wide receiver position. While second-round pick Ladd McConkey hit the ground running, Quentin Johnston was far too inconsistent and the rest of the depth chart couldn’t contribute. This forced Justin Herbert to play with a nonexistent margin of error, and the disastrous Wild Card loss showed what happens when Herbert doesn’t play a perfect game.
While Harbaugh wants to win games with a run-first offense, the head coach admitted that the passing attack needs help. Armed with over $63 million in cap space, the Chargers have the money to spend big on an elite free agent like Tee Higgins. While his injuries are concerning, his style of play is a natural fit for this offense. McConkey excels at creating separation and making plays after the catch, but Higgins’ ability to win on the sideline and deep downfield should give Los Angeles a well-rounded passing attack that can match up with the league’s elite units.
Other Fits
Of course, the Los Angeles Chargers will not be the only team in the running for Tee Higgins. Good receivers are hard to come by, and teams like the Carolina Panthers and New England Patriots would love to support their young quarterbacks with proven playmakers.
After a tough start to his career, former first-overall pick Bryce Young started to look like a franchise quarterback down the stretch. Playing behind a great offensive line and surrounded by promising young playmakers, Young should carry his forward momentum into 2025. However, the team could use a proven weapon like Higgins. Youngsters Xavier Legette, Jalen Coker, and Ja’Tavion Sanders all showed promise as rookies, but Carolina should add a proven star in case any of those three cannot continue to grow.
The Patriots must find someone to help star quarterback Drake Maye. The UNC product did a remarkable job in an atrocious environment last year, as New England had the NFL’s worst combination of blocking, receivers, and coaching. While Mike Vrabel should be a massive improvement on Jerod Mayo, New England must find reliable playmakers, and they have the money to sign whoever they want. Tee Higgins alone cannot turn this team into a Super Bowl threat, but signing him would be a great first step for this organization.
Main Photo: Sam Greene – Imagn Images
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