JUST IN: Commanders Urged to Sign Tee Higgins as $125M Target for…. see more

The Washington Commanders are entering a new era, and their priority this offseason is to build around their potential franchise quarterback, Jayden Daniels. With the NFL Draft and free agency on the horizon, one name continues to emerge as a dream target for Washington: Tee Higgins. The Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver could be the perfect weapon for Daniels, and analysts are urging the Commanders to make a bold move to sign him.

A Proven Playmaker

Higgins, who has spent the last four seasons with the Bengals, has established himself as one of the top young wide receivers in the league. Standing at 6-foot-4 and possessing elite ball-tracking skills, Higgins has consistently been a reliable deep threat and red-zone target for Cincinnati. Despite playing alongside Ja’Marr Chase and Tyler Boyd, he has still managed to put up impressive numbers, including two 1,000-yard seasons.

With the Bengals facing salary cap constraints and a long-term extension for Chase on the horizon, Higgins could be the odd man out in Cincinnati. If he hits free agency or is available via trade, the Commanders would be wise to make a serious push to acquire him.

Why Washington Should Target Higgins

The Commanders’ receiving corps currently features Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson, both talented pass-catchers, but adding Higgins would elevate the group to another level. A trio of McLaurin, Higgins, and Dotson would provide Daniels with an elite set of weapons, giving him the best chance to develop into a franchise quarterback.

Moreover, Washington’s new offensive coordinator, Kliff Kingsbury, is expected to implement an aggressive passing attack. Kingsbury’s system thrives on dynamic wide receivers who can stretch the field and create mismatches. Higgins fits that mold perfectly, making him an ideal addition.

The Cost of Signing Higgins

Securing Higgins won’t come cheap. Given his talent and market value, he is expected to command a contract in the range of $125 million over five years. That figure aligns with recent deals given to top-tier receivers, including A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. While this is a significant investment, the Commanders have the cap space and the need for a high-caliber playmaker to justify such a deal.

If Washington wants to accelerate its rebuild, making a move for Higgins could be the statement signing that sets the tone for the new regime under head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Adam Peters.

Potential Roadblocks

The biggest challenge to signing Higgins is competition. Several teams in need of a premier receiver will likely pursue him if he becomes available. The Carolina Panthers, New England Patriots, and Chicago Bears are all teams that could make a strong push.

Additionally, the Bengals could opt to use the franchise tag on Higgins, preventing him from hitting free agency. In that case, Washington would have to explore a trade, which could cost valuable draft capital. The Commanders hold the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, but they are unlikely to part with it for a receiver. A second-round or third-round pick, however, could be a feasible trade package.

The Fit with Jayden Daniels

Jayden Daniels, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, is projected to be one of the top quarterbacks taken in the draft, and many believe Washington will select him at No. 2 overall. If the Commanders do draft Daniels, surrounding him with elite talent will be crucial to his success.

Daniels has shown remarkable growth as a passer and playmaker during his college career, and pairing him with a big-bodied target like Higgins could accelerate his development. Higgins would give Daniels a reliable red-zone option, a receiver who can win contested catches, and a deep threat to stretch the field.

Final Thoughts

The Commanders are in a pivotal stage of their rebuild, and signing Tee Higgins would be a franchise-altering move. While the cost is high, the potential reward of pairing Higgins with Jayden Daniels could set Washington up for long-term success. If the Commanders are serious about surrounding their young quarterback with top-tier talent, making a strong push for Higgins should be at the top of their offseason priority list.