Wide receiver Tee Higgins found himself at the center of trade speculation after receiving the franchise tag instead of the long-term contract he sought, prompting discussions that included the Jacksonville Jaguars as a potential landing spot. However, despite the rumors, the former Clemson standout is set to remain with the Cincinnati Bengals for the 2024 season. Looking ahead to 2025, Higgins could enter free agency, catching the attention of analysts like Mike Herndon from Paulkuharsky.com, who believes one of the Jaguars’ division rivals would be an ideal fit for the talented receiver.
Herndon specifically points to the Tennessee Titans as a prime destination for Higgins next year, especially if they do not re-sign DeAndre Hopkins before the onset of free agency. This speculation arises as Higgins has been seeking a contract extension since 2023, yet discussions with Cincinnati have stalled since last year. The Bengals opted to apply the franchise tag on him in February, ensuring his presence on their roster for the upcoming season. However, beyond 2024, Higgins’ future with the team remains uncertain.
Initially, the Jaguars were considered potential trade partners for Higgins, particularly because Calvin Ridley was poised to enter free agency. Moreover, Higgins had established a strong connection with Jaguars’ quarterback Trevor Lawrence during their college days, making Jacksonville a logical destination. However, the Jaguars’ decision to draft Brian Thomas Jr. with the 23rd overall pick in the recent draft effectively ended any immediate pursuit of Higgins.
Selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Bengals, Higgins has proven to be a productive asset, appearing in 58 games with 53 starts over the past four seasons. During this time, he has accumulated 257 receptions for 3,684 yards and 24 touchdowns. Despite his contributions, the Bengals are prioritizing the impending free agency of fellow receiver Ja’Marr Chase, which could influence their long-term plans for Higgins.
Looking ahead, the potential acquisition of Higgins by the Titans in 2025 raises concerns for the Jaguars, particularly regarding the competitiveness within their division. The Jaguars themselves have made significant moves to bolster their roster, drafting Brian Thomas Jr. and signing Gabe Davis, while their division rivals have also strengthened their wide receiver corps. The Titans, in particular, have secured Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd, and adding Higgins would elevate their offensive firepower significantly.
Under general manager Ran Carthon’s leadership, the Titans have demonstrated a willingness to make impactful acquisitions, evidenced by their successful moves for Ridley and cornerback L’Jarius Sneed. With a projected $85 million in cap space for 2025, the Titans have the financial flexibility to pursue Higgins aggressively while potentially making additional roster improvements.
Nonetheless, despite the potential for increased competition from their division rivals, the Jaguars remain focused on their own trajectory of improvement. If they can rebound effectively from their performance in the 2023 season, the impact of rivals’ roster enhancements, including potential acquisitions like Higgins by the Titans, may be mitigated by their own progress and strategic roster moves.
