Which NFL squad could former Clemson star Tee Higgins be suiting up for next season?

USA TODAY made predictions on where the top 10 free agents, including Higgins, will land.

Higgins was predicted to sign with the Los Angeles Chargers this offseason.

“The popular pick for Higgins is the New England Patriots, who are armed with a Mary Poppins’ bag of endless cap space,” USA TODAY’s Nick Brinkerhoff wrote.

“While teaming up with Drake Maye would be enticing, Higgins could head west to pair with Justin Herbert, who is in desperate need of some pass-catchers. Injuries are a concern, but someone will pay up for the best free agent on the market who is just 26 years old.”

Higgins will hit the open market next month if he and the Cincinnati Bengals don’t agree on a new contract, and he is widely considered one of, if not the best, player currently slated to become a free agent this offseason.

USA TODAY also identified the best fits for the top 25 free agents, and the Chargers were pegged as the best fit for Higgins.

“Higgins is the big prize on the free agent market, as he would be a No. 1 wide receiver on most teams outside of Cincinnati,” USA TODAY’s Tyler Dragon wrote. “He’s an X receiver with good hands and a nice catch radius.”

Of course, Higgins has spent his first five NFL seasons (2020-24) with the Bengals after being selected by the franchise in the second round (33rd overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft. The 6-foot-4, 219-pounder has racked up 330 catches for 4,595 yards and 34 touchdowns over his pro career to date.

Higgins played under the franchise tag in 2024, as he and the Bengals weren’t able to reach a long-term deal last offseason. He dealt with injuries this past season but was still highly productive when on the field, posting 73 catches for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns in 12 games. His 10 touchdown catches tied for sixth most in the NFL.

Higgins recently commented on his future and pending free agency in an interview with Joe Danneman of FOX19 (Cincinnati).

“I’m just trying to stay away from it right now,” Higgins said. “Clear my head, get away from the game, especially after tonight. Clear my head, get away from the game for a few weeks. And then obviously in March, that’s when things start ramping up for me, with the free agency coming up. I mean, obviously I would love to be here in Cincinnati. I love it here. I love the city. I love the fans. I love the coaching staff, everything in the building. But it’s not in my control.”

The free agency signing period officially begins at 4 p.m. ET on March 12.

–Photo courtesy of Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images