A top free agent linked to the Washington Commanders and Las Vegas Raiders in recent weeks reportedly is looking more likely than ever to stick with their current team.
The Commanders and Raiders head into the offseason with big hopes for 2025. But for very different reasons. Washington shocked the NFL by reaching the NFC Championship game in January. While after another disappointing season, Vegas fans believe coaching legend Pete Carroll can bring them back to relevancy next season.
Related: Washington Commanders emerge as candidates to trade for former first-round cornerback
Although the two teams had very different results this past season, something they have in common is a boatload of salary cap space heading into the start of NFL free agency next month. According to Spotrac, the Raiders have $95.1 million to burn this offseason (second most in the league), while the Commanders have $80.5 million (third-most) in cap space. That is a huge amount considering a third of the league had less than $20 million to use this spring.
That gives them a major advantage in free agency. And one player they have been linked to is talented Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins. Both franchises could use more or better weapons in the passing game in 2025. However, despite many around the NFL believing Higgins will be playing on a new team next season, Bleacher Report NFL insider James Palmer claimed this week that may no longer be the case.
- Tee Higgins stats (2024): 12 games, 73 receptions, 911 yards, 10 touchdowns, 12.5 yards per catch
Washington Commanders, Las Vegas Raiders may not have chance to sign Tee Higgins this Spring
“Tee Higgins, it seems like, is the belle of the ball in terms of free agency. But it’s leaning lately to is he going to return?” Palmer claimed. “Cincinnati is trying to make that happen. I know Joe Burrow is trying to make that happen. This is a guy you have to realize you’ll have to pay $30 million… It just seems like it’s leaning more toward he is going back to Cincinnati than other places.”
Bengals superstar Joe Burrow revealed recently he is willing to restructure his contract so the team can retain some of their key free agents. And he has been outspoken about his hopes that they re-sign the 26-year-old this offseason.
- Tee Higgins contract (Projection): Four years, $120 million
He would be a major addition for the Washington Commanders, Las Vegas Raiders, or the New England Patriots — a team heavily linked to a Higgins pursuit in March. And he would only cost money, instead of assets like potential additions like Deebo Samuel or Cooper Kupp would require.