The Jacksonville Jaguars need to bolster their wide receiver corps this offseason. They'll have a wide array of choices to do it in free agency or the draft, but they've often been linked to Tee Higgins. It's easy to see why. Apart from the Trevor Lawrence connection, he'll be the best option available in the open market. However, the Jags' hopes of landing the former Clemson Tiger may soon go up in smoke.
Higgins has been dubbed the crown jewel of free agency, popping up at No. 1 in Pro Football Focus' top 50 list. However, there's no guarantee that he'll hit the open market. The fifth-year receiver may not get the long-term contract he's been seeking since 2023, but the Cincinnati Bengals could use the franchise tag and keep him around for another year.
This is a realistic scenario when you take into account that fellow receiver Ja'Marr Chase is entering a contract year, and Cincy may not be able to sign both to long-term deals. Simply put, they won't move on from Joe Burrow's top weapons even if it comes at a steep price.
In fact, Burrow has been vocal about the Bengal paying their star players, which would signify a massive turn in how they do business. Throughout their history, they've been known for being extremely careful with money. Heck, former Jonathan Joseph once called management out because it didn't provide enough supplies, such as Gatorade and deodorant for players, to players.
Circling back to Higgins, he's been looking for a new deal since 2023, but Cincinnati hasn't been in a hurry to meet his demands. That said, deadlines spur action, and the window to use the franchise tag opens on February 18th. The Bengals could use it on him and fully focus on getting an extension done with Chase. If that's the route they take, the Jaguars will have to look somewhere else to bolster their receiver room.
Tee Higgins is far from the only option the Jaguars will have (but he's the best)
If the Cincinnati Bengals prevent Tee Higgins from reaching the open market, the Jacksonville Jaguars will need to pivot to somebody else. Fortunately, they'll have choices. Chris Godwin has been brought up as a potential target because he played for head coach Liam Coen last year. Moreover, he could step in Christian Kirk's place if he's released or traded this offseason.
This scenario makes sense when you take into account that both Kirk and Godwin mainly line up in the slot. Moreover, the Jags still have Gabe Davis in the fold. He's coming off an underwhelming season and he will be given a clean slate under Coen. If the coaching staff commit to him, going after Higgins, even if he's available, won't be a priority. And aside from free agency, the Jags can add a receiver in the draft.
Tetaioria McMillan should be available at No. 5. He'll be the best receiver not named Travis Hunter in the class. While he lacks top speed, he would give Coen a chess piece to work with and a big target in the red zone.
The bottom line is that as good as Tee Higgins, he may end up being a realistic option, but that doesn't mean the Jacksonville Jaguars will rest on their laurels.