Jayden Daniels' rookie season showed that he and the Washington Commanders are on a faster track to contention than most thought. Their incredible run to the NFC Championship game has them in a place to make decisions that previously may have been a year or two down the line.
Granted, getting back to that place will be no easy task and the team will have a target on their back heading into the 2025 season. But the evidence Daniels laid out this past season leaves enough evidence to believe they can make a return.
That will require some upgrades both offensively and defensively. Dan Quinn continues to mold this defense to his liking, but perhaps the more intriguing prospects involve the moves his offense could make in the coming months.
ESPN's list of best free agency fits has set that bar high for the Commanders, projecting the rising NFC East contender as a "best fit" for Cincinnati Bengals receiver Tee Higgins.
"The Commanders could pair Higgins with Terry McLaurin to give quarterback Jayden Daniels two true difference-makers on the perimeter," Matt Bowen writes. "At 6-foot-4 and 219 pounds, Higgins can win at all three levels of the route tree in OC Kliff Kingsbury's system. And with 23 career red zone touchdown catches, he would be a top target for Daniels close to the end zone."
Cincinnati is rumored to be looking into a franchise tag for Higgins which would require the Commanders to trade for him if they want him on their squad. It also seems that a long term deal could be in play there.
Without that standing in the way, Higgins is a clear fit for Washington and a player that moves the needle in a significant way. A duo of McLaurin and Higgins easily ranks in the upper echelon of wide receiver combinations across the league. For a
If Higgins is not available for Washington however, there are alternative routes to explore among this free agent class. Chris Godwin, Stefon Diggs and Amari Cooper will all be available and could be looking for a new home.
The objective remains to enhance the supporting cast around Daniels. They have done a good job thus far, but this offseason will need to see a continuation of that process.
