A lot can change between now and 2025 NFL free agency, but it already looks like Cincinnati Bengals star wideout Tee Higgins is bound to hit the open market next March.
The Bengals could not agree on a new deal with Tee Higgins, who will play the 2024 season under the franchise tag. When you consider that Cincinnati has always been a budget-conscious team, and it’s already difficult to envision Higgins staying here beyond next year.
The @NFLNotify X/Twitter account reports that two of the Bengals’ AFC rivals, the Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots, are planning to go “all-in” on Higgins in free agency next year.
Higgins is sure to land superstar-level money when he hits free agency next year. Despite having to share the ball with superstar Ja’Marr Chase and ex-Bengals Joe Mixon and Tyler Boyd, Higgins has exceeded the 70-catch and 1,000-yard marks twice.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NFL stories via Google! Follow Us
Tee Higgins missed five games for the Bengals last year, and Joe Burrow’s season-ending wrist injury further led to a forgettable year for the 2020 second-round pick. Higgins finished the year with 42 receptions for 656 yards and five touchdowns.
Browns & Patriots Both Make Sense For Tee Higgins
Many teams will be interested in Higgins if he hits free agency next year, but Cleveland and New England could use him more than others.
Cleveland’s No. 1 wideout, Amari Cooper, is entering the final year of his contract. There’s a good chance the Browns will be reluctant to extend a wide receiver who will be 31 next year, too.
Like Cleveland, the Patriots could be desperate for a new No. 1 WR next year. The Pats haven’t had a player hit 1,000 yards receiving in a season since Julian Edelman, who hit the feat in 2019 during his final year with Tom Brady. And with a mountain of cap space on their books, New England will be in a position to outbid almost any other challenger for the top free agents on their wish list.
