The Cincinnati Bengals have reportedly decided to use the franchise tag on star wide receiver Tee Higgins, ensuring he remains with the team for at least one more season. The move, while expected by many, raises questions about the long-term future of Higgins in Cincinnati and the team’s overall roster strategy.
With Joe Burrow at quarterback and Ja’Marr Chase as the team’s other elite receiving weapon, the Bengals’ decision to tag Higgins signals their desire to keep their high-powered offense intact. However, it also brings contract negotiations, salary cap implications, and trade rumors into the spotlight.
- Tee Higgins has been a critical part of Cincinnati’s offense since being drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. At 6-foot-4, he provides a physical presence, strong hands, and elite contested-catch ability, making him one of the best No. 2 receivers in the league.
Despite battling injuries during the 2023 season, Higgins has posted back-to-back 1,000-yard campaigns in previous years and has been a reliable target for Burrow. With his rookie contract set to expire, the Bengals faced a tough decision: sign him to a long-term extension, let him walk in free agency, or apply the franchise tag.
By tagging Higgins, the Bengals ensure that he will remain with the team for the 2024 season, barring a trade or a surprise long-term deal. The tag is expected to cost around $20-22 million for one season, a hefty price but one the Bengals are willing to pay to keep their offensive firepower.
While the franchise tag keeps Higgins in Cincinnati for another year, it doesn’t necessarily guarantee he will be there beyond 2024.
The Bengals have a history of being conservative with long-term contracts, and with Ja’Marr Chase due for a massive extension soon, paying two wide receivers top-tier money may not be feasible. Chase is expected to command a deal that could exceed $30 million per year, making it difficult for the Bengals to commit to both receivers long-term.
Cincinnati also has other financial priorities, including maintaining their offensive line and addressing defensive needs. With Burrow already signed to a record-breaking deal, the Bengals must be strategic in how they allocate their cap space.
If they cannot reach a long-term deal with Higgins, they may explore trade options, allowing them to gain draft capital or additional roster flexibility. Several receiver-needy teams could be willing to part with high draft picks for a proven No. 1-caliber pass catcher.
Franchise-tagging a player doesn’t necessarily mean he will play under the tag. Sometimes, teams use it as a placeholder while negotiating a long-term deal. Other times, it’s a tool to facilitate a trade.
With Higgins likely commanding a major contract in free agency next year, the Bengals may consider dealing him this offseason if they receive an offer that aligns with their long-term vision. Several teams, including the Carolina Panthers, New England Patriots, and Kansas City Chiefs, could be in the market for a top-tier receiver and might be willing to part with significant assets.
If the Bengals do trade Higgins, they could use the additional draft capital to strengthen their offensive line, improve their defense, or even draft a younger, cheaper receiver to complement Chase. However, moving Higgins would also weaken their offense in the short term, potentially affecting their Super Bowl aspirations.
While Higgins has expressed a desire to stay in Cincinnati, he also wants to be compensated fairly for his contributions. He has proven to be a key piece of the Bengals’ offensive success and could command a contract in the $22-25 million per year range if he hits free agency in 2025.
For now, he will have to decide whether to sign the franchise tag or hold out in hopes of securing a long-term extension. If he plays on the tag, it’s possible that 2024 will be his final season in a Bengals uniform.
The Bengals now face a crucial offseason. They must decide whether to engage in serious extension talks with Higgins, explore trade offers, or let him play under the tag while preparing for life without him in 2025.
Additionally, they need to address their offensive line to better protect Burrow, reinforce their defense, and plan for Chase’s upcoming megadeal. The Higgins decision is just one part of a much larger puzzle.
For Bengals fans, the news of the franchise tag is both reassuring and concerning. It means Higgins will be back in 2024, but his long-term future remains uncertain. The next few months will determine whether he remains a Bengal for years to come—or if this is simply a temporary solution before a major roster shakeup.