The Washington Commanders and Jayden Daniels are headed to contend sooner than most anticipated, as evidenced by his rookie season. They are now in a position to make decisions that may have been made a year or two ago because of their amazing run to the NFC Championship game. The club will have a target on their back going into the 2025 season, and it will undoubtedly be difficult to get back to that point. However, there is enough reason to think they can return based on what Daniels presented this past season.
That will necessitate some defensive and offensive improvements. Although Dan Quinn is still able to shape this defence to his will, his offense’s potential developments over the next several months may present more interesting opportunities. The Commanders now have a high bar after ESPN’s ranking of the best free agency fits ranked the up-and-coming NFC East rival as the “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.
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