Risk Flags
6- Target Competition
Trey McBride set an NFL TE single-season receptions record in 2025 (126 catches) and signed a 4-year, $76M extension. He is immovable at TE1 and will command the majority of TE targets for the foreseeable future.
- Role Limitation
Higgins is the TE3 on the depth chart, sitting behind both McBride and Tip Reiman. His 2025 line of 30 receptions, 301 yards, and zero touchdowns over 17 games reflects a near-irrelevant role even at full health.
- Scoring Drought
Higgins failed to score a single touchdown in 2025 despite playing all 17 games and starting 10. For a TE to have dynasty value, red-zone usage is critical, and he has none.
- Depth Chart Competition
Tip Reiman fractured his ankle in Week 5 of 2025 and went to season-ending IR, which vacated the TE2 role that boosted Higgins' 2025 volume. Reiman has two years remaining on his rookie contract and is expected to compete for the TE2 role in 2026 upon recovery.
- QB Dependency
Kyler Murray was released in March 2026; the Cardinals enter the year with a Brissett/Minshew bridge and rookie Carson Beck, lowering near-term passing efficiency and concentrating remaining target equity on McBride and the WRs.
- Roster Security
Higgins is under contract through 2026 but projects as an unrestricted free agent after this season, adding uncertainty to his role as a long-term dynasty hold at ARI.