NFL free agency is approaching and there’s two former Tigers that will be extremely covered around the league. In ESPN’s latest free agent ranking, both wide receiver Tee Higgins and defensive tackle Christian Wilkins were ranked within the top 10.

Alongside their placement, Matt Bowen listed the best fit for each and only one is their current home.

For Higgins, ranked No. 7 among free agents, last season was plagued with injuries but it hasn’t changed his stock as the best free agent wide receiver. He’s amassed 3,684 receiving yards and 24 touchdowns during his rookie contract, a massive total for the former Clemson star.

While there’s many teams that will be hoping to battle for his talents, Bowen believes the franchise tag will keep him in Cincinnati.

If Higgins does make it to free agency, Carolina would also be a fantastic fit, as the Panthers need a WR1. But I have him staying in Cincinnati on the franchise tag, and with a healthy Joe Burrow back to start the 2024 season and Ja’Marr Chase on the other side of the field, this move could make the Bengals a Super Bowl contender once again. In four seasons with Cincinnati, Higgins has 24 touchdown receptions.

The possibility of Higgins coming to Carolina would be interesting, and it would definitely add a lot of draw to a struggling Panthers team. Higgins is very familiar with Bank of America Stadium as well as the Carolinas as a whole.

It’s a bit more complicated for Wilkins, who was ranked No. 5 on the list. He’s arrived at the end of his fifth-year option in his rookie contract as one of the most prolific defensive tackles in the NFL.

Miami has decisions to make, and Wilkins could end up on the open market this summer. He’s taken a massive step over the last three seasons as the Dolphins defensive cornerstone, totaling 36 tackles for loss and breaking his career-high by a large margin with nine sacks last season. Still, Bowen predicts his best fit is in a team desperate for a boost: the New England Patriots.

I expect the Patriots to be active in free agency, and Wilkins has the position versatility to align all over the defensive front. In 2023, Wilkins had 9 sacks, 35 pressures and 68 tackles in Miami. He would pair nicely with Christian Barmore to give first-year head coach Jerod Mayo two difference-makers on the defensive interior.

It’s still early, and there’s no telling how free agency will pay off for the former tigers. The one thing that’s certain is a big payday awaits both Higgins and Wilkinsregardless of what team it’s from.