Why the Titans should extend DeAndre Hopkins before they target Tee Higgins

NASHVILLE - Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins signed his franchise tag over the weekend, but according to the latest reports from Ian Rapoport, Higgins is not expected to sign a long-term extension with the team.

That will make Higgins the only player franchise tagged this offseason that did not get a long-term extension, but Higgins clearly has his eyes set on free agency during the 2025 offseason. When that time comes, he should have a long list of suitors - one of which could very well be the Tennessee Titans.

Tennessee and Higgins have been linked to one another ever since Brian Callahan was named Titans head coach in January. Higgins is a native of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and returning to his home state while playing under an offensive coordinator he loves would make sense.

"It would be ideal," Higgins said to The Sick Podcast when asked about the possibility of playing under Callahan in Tennessee.

Before Higgins was franchise tagged, there were plenty of rumors implicating that the Bengals could look to trade the 25-year-old wide out instead of paying him. The Titans were one of the most frequently discussed landing spots at the time. That was, of course before the team signed Calvin Ridley to a four-year, $92 million deal in free agency.

I can't imagine a world where DeAndre Hopkins, Ridley, and Higgins are all playing together and Hopkins is going into the final year of his contract with the Titans. Would it make sense for Tennessee to move away from Hopkins and make a push for Higgins in free agency? Or should they get an extension done with Hopkins, taking them out of contention to pursue Higgins?

Any Hopkins extension - which is definitely a possibility - would probably need to get done before the 2024 season begins. Allow me to make the case for that scenario over one where Tennessee goes after Higgins in free agency.

Extending DeAndre Hopkins

DeAndre Hopkins lived up to and exceeded all expectations in 2023. He was one of the only bright spots in an otherwise miserable Titans offense while providing leadership on and off the field.

The connection Hopkins quickly established with Will Levis is undeniable. That showed as soon as Levis got under center during his NFL debut. Levis threw three touchdowns to Hopkins in front of a home crowd, including one for 61 yards. That was the longest completion for Levis all season.

Hopkins has fully embraced his Titans teammates and the city of Nashville. The city has embraced him back and at 32-years-old, he proved in 2023 that he's still one of the game's elite offensive talents.

If I'm the Titans and I'm building around Will Levis...I want DeAndre Hopkins to be here for more than just one more season.

An extension for Hopkins would certainly be cheaper than whatever Higgins will command in free agency. I think that's especially important now that Tennessee has big money tied up into Ridley. I just don't see a world where it's smart for the Titans to have $50+ million in AAV committed to two wide receivers on long term contracts when Levis will be up for an extension after the 2025 season.

It makes far more sense to go with what you know. What you trust. What your young quarterback trusts. And that's DeAndre Hopkins. The Titans can't get that contract extension done sooner, and as far as Higgins goes...I think I'm good.

Related: Why Jamal Adams signing is a perfectly fine gamble by the Tennessee Titans