Announcement: Commanders Agree Deal To Sign $21.8 Million Pro Bowler Who Can ‘Accelerate’ Jayden Daniels

Trading for a two-time 1,000-yard wide receiver would “accelerate” Jayden Daniels’ transition to the NFL, so the Washington Commanders make sense as a landing spot for certified weapon.

He’s set to play on the franchise tag for the Cincinnati Bengals this season, unless a trade can be worked out. A trade remains a possibility after NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport confirmed Higgins and the Bengals “will not do an extension.”

According to Garrett Podell of CBS Sports, the Commanders are open to making a deal. He feels this trade will benefit all sides for the following three reasons: “Washington already has Pro Bowler Terry McLaurin, but the rest of the roster is made up of inexperienced players. Providing Daniels with two established wide receivers right away might hasten his NFL development, and the Commanders currently have slightly more than $37 million in salary space, the second highest in the league, according to OverTheCap.com. With this move, the Bengals also gain from trading Higgins out of the AFC, which may be important in large transactions.

Equipping Daniels, the second player selected in this year’s draft, with what he needs is in the Commanders’ best interests. They expect Daniels to be their franchise quarterback and inspire a quick turnaround, two things Higgins helped Joe Burrow and the Bengals achieve.

As NFL.com’s Michael Baca put it, 2020 second-rounder “Higgins has been a certified weapon for Joe Burrow when healthy, especially in the postseason.”

Tee Higgins Has Helped a Rookie QB Before

Higgins was drafted the same year that the Bengals selected Burrow first overall. Just one year later, the Bengals were in the Super Bowl.

During the 2021 postseason, the Higgins and Burrow pairing was very effective. Higgins recorded consecutive 100-yard performances in the AFC Championship and Super Bowl, according to Pro Football Reference.

He scored two touchdowns against the Los Angeles Rams during the big game. Including this one from Burrow.

A play like this is why Higgins would be an excellent choice for the Commanders. Especially for the schemes preferred by offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.

Tee Higgins is Ideal for Commanders

The Kingsbury gameplan is typically based on large targets who can stretch the field vertically beyond the numbers. Higgins, a 6-foot-4, 219-pound receiver with a career average of 14 yards per reception, is a perfect fit.

A deep threat as capable as Higgins would complement Daniels’ incredible arm strength. Daniels would also appreciate Higgins’ ability to make big plays after the catch.

In Week 16 of last season, the 25-year-old converted a simple slant into an 80-yard touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

This double act would relieve pressure on third-year pro Jahan Dotson to make the grade. A McLaurin and Higgins pairing would also almost assure Daniels has the necessary tools to take the professionals by storm as a rookie.

The Commanders have enough room on the depth chart and money in the bank to complete this exchange. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter (h/t George Carmi of Full Press NFL), the Washington Redskins have already declined a deal for Brandon Aiyuk, despite the player’s numerous and not-so-subtle signals that he would welcome a move there.

Putting together a trade deal for Higgins makes more sense schematically.