As Super Bowl week reaches full swing, the NFL free agency period is rapidly approaching. While teams are still finalizing their offseason plans, some star players have already begun their recruiting efforts in hopes of getting Tee Higgins, the top man on the WR market.
Los Angeles Chargers All-Pro safety Derwin James recently made waves with comments on “The Edge,” the podcast hosted by Cowboys star Micah Parsons. His remarks caught the attention of Chargers fans and football enthusiasts across the league.
Tee Higgins to the Los Angeles Chargers?
During the podcast, James made it clear he would love to share a jersey with the star wide receiver.
🚨NEWS: #Chargers star safety Derwin James has been recruiting star WR Tee Higgins to come to LA.
“Hey what’s up, Tee? Tee or any receiver out there what’s up? What’s happening… Let’s go do it.”
👀
(📸: @Dav1dChabot: h/t Micah Parsons Pod) pic.twitter.com/m4lAnaV5sb
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) February 4, 2025
“Hey what’s up, Tee? Tee or any receiver out there what’s up? What’s happening… Let’s go do it,” James said.
James likely won’t be the last player to comment on Higgins’ status as a free agent. Higgins is expected to be a hot commodity once free agency begins, as PFN’s No. 1-ranked free agent. With several teams in need of a WR1, a bidding war for Higgins’ services is to be expected.
Higgins has been one of the best WR2s in the NFL over his five-year career with the Cincinnati Bengals. In that time, he has accumulated 4,595 receiving yards (18th across the NFL during that span). He also has two 1,000-yard seasons under his belt and two more where he finished with 900+ receiving yards.
Higgins and Chargers a Great Fit
James had a subtle but effective seven-word pitch to Higgins on the podcast: “Who wouldn’t want to play with Herbert?” He makes a great point, as Herbert is known as one of the league’s best quarterbacks. He had a down year by his own standards, finishing as the 14th-best quarterback with a QB+ score of 78.5 in 2024 according to PFN’s QB+ Rankings.
Not all of Herbert’s struggles last season can be blamed on him. Despite the challenges, the Chargers still managed to secure a playoff spot. One key issue was the lack of a true No. 1 receiver, though rookie Ladd McConkey eventually emerged as the top target.
If Higgins were to sign with the Chargers, he would immediately become Herbert’s No. 1 option. The chance to become the WR1 on a team fresh off a playoff berth has to be enticing for Higgins or any free agent receiver looking to be a possible top target. It is no secret the Chargers will be all over the wide receiver market come free agency.
Chargers fans have good reason to be excited about the possibility. The team currently has $63.4 million in cap space, which should allow them to make competitive offers when free agency begins in March. Getting Higgins for their quarterback would pair a dangerous passing attack with an already potent rushing attack masterminded by offensive coordinator Greg Roman.
A dynamic, well-balanced offense like that could elevate the Chargers into serious championship contention in 2025. Clearly, James and the rest of the Chargers are eager for a chance to add Higgins to the team.
