In general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn’s first offseason together, the Washington Commanders are well-positioned to turn the franchise around. But how will they go about doing so following a 4-13 campaign? With a little over $73 million in cap space projected, Washington will have the largest amount in the NFL. Additionally, it is positioned to select elite players at several positions of need thanks to its six picks in the top 102 of the 2024 NFL Draft. A second receiver is a much-needed position, and the Commanders are well-positioned to fill it through free agency or the draft.
Tee Higgins, a receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals, might be a great choice for the Commanders. The Bengals may franchise-tag the fourth-year receiver, but he is expected to reach free agency. It will be challenging to sign him to a long-term contract because Ja’Marr Chase, a receiver for the Bengals, is also eligible for a new contract and is probably going to demand a deal that puts him in the highest paid position.
In each of his first three seasons, Higgins had at least 65 catches, 900 receiving yards, and six touchdowns; however, injuries sustained by him and quarterback Joe Burrow restricted the Clemson product to 42 receptions, 656 yards, and five touchdowns.
Whether Higgins is tagged as a franchise player or hits free agency, the Commanders will still have an opportunity to sign him. In addition to having the draft capital to trade for him should he receive the tag, Washington can pay him more than other teams. But is that really the best course of action for Quinn and Peters as they rebuild the Commanders? Terry McLaurin, a top receiver for Washington, has at least 77 receptions for 1,000 yards and four touchdowns in the previous four seasons. Although the Commanders must locate a reliable top option to complement him, it is a high price to pay for a middle-of-the-road team to give up valuable draft capital or cap space for a No. 2 receiver.
