Panthers Must Make Tee Higgins Their Top Free Agency Priority for 2025

The Carolina Panthers are looking to the future with their promising young quarterback, Bryce Young, and it’s clear that 2025 is going to be a pivotal year for both him and the team. While Young hasn’t exactly lit up the stat sheet during his first few seasons, his confidence has grown, especially after reclaiming the starting job from Andy Dalton. The Panthers have shown enough glimpses of potential to know that Bryce Young is the long-term answer under center, but for him to thrive, Carolina needs to surround him with a legitimate No. 1 receiving threat.

One player who could be the perfect fit to help elevate Young’s game is Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins. With the Panthers projected to have over $32 million in cap space for 2025, it’s time for them to spend big on a weapon who can make an immediate impact. Bleacher Report has already speculated that the Panthers could target Higgins in free agency, and that is a move that makes a lot of sense.

Why Tee Higgins Makes Sense for the Panthers

As a No. 2 option behind Ja’Marr Chase in Cincinnati, Higgins has consistently proven he can be a dominant force in the passing game. Over his first five seasons, Higgins has hauled in 326 receptions for 4,542 yards and 34 touchdowns. That’s impressive production, especially considering he has often been overshadowed by the star power of Chase. Despite playing second fiddle, Higgins has had two 1,000-yard seasons (2021 and 2022), and with one game remaining in the 2024 season, he sits just shy of 900 yards, showing that he still has the potential to hit that milestone.

Higgins’ ability to take over a game was on full display during the Bengals’ comeback win over the Denver Broncos in Week 17, where he caught 11 passes for 131 yards and three touchdowns. The Panthers need a receiver who can make big plays in critical moments, and Higgins has shown time and time again that he can do just that.

A Perfect Fit for Bryce Young’s Development

For Bryce Young to truly reach his potential, he needs a reliable weapon on the outside, someone who can stretch the field and consistently make plays. While rookie Xavier Legette has shown promise, the Panthers need a proven, consistent No. 1 receiver to take their offense to the next level. Higgins fits that role perfectly.

At 6-foot-4 and 219 pounds, Higgins has the size and physicality to be a dominant force in contested catches, something the Panthers have been lacking. He also has the ability to make plays after the catch, something that would allow Young to rely on him in a variety of situations, whether it’s in short-yardage scenarios or explosive downfield opportunities.

Financial Flexibility for the Panthers

With $32 million in cap space heading into 2025, the Panthers should have no trouble fitting Higgins into their payroll. While some may argue that signing a player like Higgins would take a sizable chunk of that cap, it’s a smart investment in their young quarterback’s future. Young needs weapons to develop, and signing a No. 1 receiver like Higgins could be the missing piece for Carolina’s offense.

Additionally, Higgins may not command the same high price tag as some other marquee free-agent wide receivers, as he’s often played second fiddle to Chase in Cincinnati. This could work in the Panthers’ favor, allowing them to secure a top-tier receiver while still having enough room to address other needs on the roster.

Looking Ahead to 2025

If Carolina is serious about competing in 2025, getting Bryce Young a top-tier wide receiver should be their top priority. Tee Higgins brings the skill set, experience, and playmaking ability that would make him an instant game-changer in the Panthers’ offense. With his potential to create mismatches across the field, Higgins would give Young a true go-to target to build chemistry with as they look to grow together.

The Panthers have a lot to be excited about with their young quarterback, and adding a star receiver like Higgins could help accelerate their rebuild. If Carolina gets this move right, they’ll be setting themselves up for success in the near future and giving Young the weapons he needs to prove he’s the franchise quarterback the Panthers believe him to be.