The Los Angeles Chargers are going to need to add wide receiver talent this offseason, whether it be through free agency or the NFL Draft. One player that has continually been linked to the Chargers is Bengals Wide Receiver Tee Higgins.
Higgins is arguably the top WR set to hit the market and is a player who would pair beautifully with Ladd McConkey.
That is if he actually hits the market.
For weeks, it seemed that the Bengals were set to let him walk while they focused on other areas. Higgins is rumored to reset the receiver market and could earn a contract that averages $30 million per year.
However, according to NFL Insider Tom Pelissero, the Bengals seemed to have changed course and are working to keep Higgins.
Tee Higgins May Not Hit Free Agency, Leaving Los Angeles Chargers In The Cold
Bengals QB Joe Burrow has been pleading for the organization to re-sign Higgins and keep the core of he, Higgins, and Ja’Mar Chase together. It now appears that he may get his wish.
According to Pelissero and NFL.com:
“…if the parties can’t come to an agreement before the March 4 deadline, the Bengals are considered likely to tag Higgins for a second straight year, which would cost $26.2 million (120% of last season’s salary).”
While they are working for a long-term deal, if they do indeed end up using the tag, they will have until July 15 to continue working towards a multi-year extension.
Also Read: Los Angeles Chargers Predicted To Trade For Tight End Plagued With Recent Struggles
The Chargers will need to reassess the free agency market at the receiver position if Higgins does not become available. While they may not have ultimately shelled out the contract required for his services, it would have given Justin Herbert the top weapon on the market.
There are other rumors that Davante Adams would be interested in joining the Chargers if he were to be released by the Jets. You also have Cooper Kupp across town on the trade block and the rumors of DK Metcalf and his desire to come to LA.
The Chargers are a very desirable team, with a great location and facility, a top-tier coaching staff, and one of the premier quarterbacks in the game. Once free agency does open up, they should have their pick of who they want.