After failing to reach an agreement on a long-term extension with the Cincinnati Bengals by the deadline, wide receiver Tee Higgins is headed for free agency in 2025. Sure, the Bengals could technically try to bring him back next offseason, but they’ve been hesitant to lock him up on an expensive, long-term deal, and that seems unlikely to change.

When he hits the open market, there will likely be teams across the league’s landscape willing to spend more for Higgins’ services than the Bengals are. With that said, here’s a look at three potential landing spots for Higgins in 2025 free agency.

New England Patriots

It’s a new era in New England. Tom Brady is long gone, and Bill Belichick is too. The Patriots drafted who they hope is their quarterback of the future in Drake Maye in the 2024 NFL Draft, and they’ll ultimately want to make his job easier by surrounding him with weapons. The team’s wide receiver room leaves a lot to be desired as currently constructed, and it remains to be seen how much Maye plays as a rookie.

But heading into his second season, Maye should be the starter unless something has gone awry with his development. At that point, adding some solid receivers for him to work with could become a priority for New England’s front office, and Higgins could be an ideal addition.

Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers lost their top two receivers this offseason, as Mike Williams signed with the New York Jets in free agency and Keenan Allen was traded to the Chicago Bears. The Chargers still have some talent at the position, and they’ll have to get through the 2024 season as currently constructed (barring a trade of some sort). But next offseason they could be interested in adding a weapon, or two, for quarterback Justin Herbert, and Higgins’ could be a top target in that scenario.

Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs have already shown that they can win at the highest level without a star receiver. But, what if they fail to repeat as Super Bowl champions in the coming campaign, or if they become unhappy with their current corps of receivers? In that case perhaps they would opt to go big game hunting next offseason, and Higgins could be an ideal target.

Higgins already has experienced playing with one of the league’s top quarterbacks in Joe Burrow, and he’s contributing to contending teams at a high level. Plus, by adding Higgins, not only would the Chiefs be giving Patrick Mahomes a major weapon, but they’d also be taking one away from a major conference rival.