Tee Higgins, Courtland Sutton's Best Landing Spots After 2024 NFL Draft

With the 2024 NFL draft officially in the rearview mirror, teams that are still in need of wide receiver help should explore potential trade opportunities.

While undrafted free agents are available, they likely won't be able to immediately contribute compared to players that have already established themselves as weapons in the passing game at the NFL level.

Two such players include Tee Higgins of the Cincinnati Bengals and Courtland Sutton from the Denver Broncos.

Higgins requested a trade from Cincinnati after the team applied the $21.816 million franchise tag to him on Feb. 26. The former second-round pick is in search of a long-term contract, as ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Wednesday that the two sides have not discussed a deal "in over a year."

Although Sutton hasn't requested to be traded, the veteran wideout recently skipped voluntary workouts as he looks for a new contract (via NFL Network's Tom Pelissero). ESPN's Jeremy Fowler also noted that the Broncos have received multiple trade requests regarding the 28-year-old.

Here are three possible destinations for each player if they're moved in the offseason.

Higgins has developed into one of quarterback Joe Burrow's top weapons in Cincinnati since the two entered the NFL together in the 2020 draft. While a hamstring injury limited him to just 12 games in 2023, the 25-year-old surpassed 1,000 yards in 2021 and 2022.

He also has seven games of postseason experience under his belt, recording 457 yards and three touchdowns in the playoffs throughout his career.

Teams that are interested in Higgins will need to have some future cap space, as he'll expect a long-term deal following a potential trade.

New England Patriots

The Patriots are slated to have roughly $144 million in effective cap space in 2025, the most of any NFL team (per Over the Cap). New England selected its future franchise quarterback with the No. 3 overall pick, adding former North Carolina signal-caller Drake Maye.

While the Patriots drafted wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk in the second round as well as wideout Javon Baker in the fourth round, they don't have an established receiver such as Higgins on the roster heading into the 2024 season.

With Maye on a rookie contract, New England could continue to build around him by acquiring the Bengals' standout receiver.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Although it would be surprising to see a trade occur between two division rivals such as the Steelers and Bengals, a deal isn't completely out of the question. Andrew Fillipponi of 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh reported on April 12 that the Steelers have held "internal discussions" regarding a Higgins trade.

Pittsburgh will have $93.9 million in effective cap space in 2025, giving the front office more than enough room to afford a possible long-term contract. With the Steelers adding Russell Wilson in free agency, general manager Omar Khan could pair Higgins with George Pickens as the team attempts a playoff push.

Former Michigan receiver Roman Wilson was selected by Pittsburgh in the third round of the 2024 draft, although that doesn't necessarily mean that another addition to the wide receiver room is completely off the table.

Los Angeles Chargers

With Keenan Allen's trade and Mike Williams' departure in free agency, Los Angeles has addressed its need at wide receiver in the draft. Georgia's Ladd McConkey was picked with the No. 34 selection, while USC's Brenden Rice went to the Chargers in the seventh round.

While both rookies are talented, they may not be ready to immediate contribute at a high level alongside Justin Herbert. With $98.4 million in effective cap space in 2025, the Chargers and head coach Jim Harbaugh could target Higgins.

Although Sutton hasn't exceeded 1,000 yards since 2019, he's remained a steady option in recent years after a knee injury ended his season after just two games in 2020.

The 28-year-old has recorded at least 750 yards in each of the past three seasons, becoming a consistent red zone contributor after racking up 10 receiving touchdowns in 2023.

After the Broncos selected former Oregon quarterback Bo Nix with the No. 12 overall pick in the draft, the front office might want to accumulate some extra future draft capital to build around Nix by moving Sutton.

Here are three teams that could potentially acquire him.

New York Jets

Although New York has an established No. 1 receiver in Garrett Wilson, Sutton could become a high-end No. 2 option. The Jets added Mike Williams in free agency, although his contract only lasts one year.

New York also selected former Washington receiver Malachi Corley in the third round of the draft, although he may not be ready to immediately contribute on a team that has contending expectations with Aaron Rodgers under center.

The Jets also rank No. 10 among NFL teams in effective 2025 cap space, giving them more than enough room to hand Sutton a long-term deal.

Baltimore Ravens

As the Ravens attempt to rebound from a disappointing loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC title game, general manager Eric DeCosta may have his eye on a veteran wideout such as Sutton.

Baltimore picked one receiver in the 2024 draft, adding North Carolina's Devontez Walker with the No. 113 choice on Saturday. While Walker is an underrated deep threat, the Ravens could prefer to add Sutton just in case it takes the rookie some time to adjust to the NFL.

Buffalo Bills

After the Bills lost Gabriel Davis in free agency, they traded Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans. Although Buffalo attempted to improve its wide receiver group by selecting Florida State's Keon Coleman at the top of the second round, the team could still add another weapon for Josh Allen to throw to.

After all, Coleman was the only receiver that Buffalo selected in the 2024 draft.

The Bills also have $27.4 million in 2025 effective cap space, giving them just enough room to potentially give Sutton a contract extension following a potential trade.