The Cincinnati Bengals and wide receiver Tee Higgins have reached a critical juncture as they failed to agree on a long-term extension before the NFL's July 15 deadline for franchise-tagged players. As a result, Higgins is set to play the 2024 season under the franchise tag, a situation underlined by his recent signing of a one-year franchise tender worth $21.816 million. While this move ensures Higgins' participation in the upcoming season, it leaves questions lingering about his long-term future with the team.
Bengals' Franchise Tag Strategy
Higgins was the sole player among the league's eight franchise-tagged individuals this offseason who did not secure a new contract. The Bengals placed the franchise tag on Higgins in late February 2024, leading to a series of events that included Higgins skipping the Bengals' mandatory minicamp in pursuit of a more lucrative extension.
Notably, Higgins requested a trade following the tagging, a request that the Bengals ultimately declined. This has been a familiar scenario for the Bengals, as past players like Jessie Bates III and Jonah Williams faced similar experiences with the franchise tag. Bates eventually played out his tagged season before leaving in free agency, while Williams stayed with the team and later explored free agency opportunities.
Higgins' Performance and Impact
Higgins has been a stalwart in the Bengals' receiving corps since being drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Clemson. Over his four seasons with the team, Higgins has twice surpassed 1,000 yards receiving and has consistentlly posted at least five touchdowns each season. Nevertheless, his most recent season was marred by a hamstring injury that limited him to just 12 games. Despite this setback, Higgins still managed to amass 656 yards and five touchdowns on 42 receptions, demonstrating his resilience and skill.
Head coach Zac Taylor expressed his optimism regarding Higgins' return to the team, stating, "I'm excited to move forward with Tee. He's done a great job handling his situation, and we are happy to get him back in the fold so we can start working toward a great 2024 season. The locker room will be excited to have him back around."
Looking Ahead
With Higgins set to play under the franchise tag, the upcoming season will be pivotal for both the player and the team. The Bengals will look to capitalize on Higgins' talents to make a strong push in the 2024 season, while Higgins will aim to showcase his abilities and prove his worth for a potential long-term deal, whether with the Bengals or another team in free agency.
The situation presents a delicate balancing act for the Bengals' front office, which must weigh the immediate benefits of keeping Higgins against the long-term implications of his contractual status. As history has shown with players like Bates and Williams, the outcome remains uncertain until the final decisions are made.
In the meantime, Bengals fans will be eager to see Higgins back on the field and contributing to the team's success. His determination and skill set will undoubtedly be key factors as the Bengals navigate the challenges and opportunities of the 2024 season.