Bengals announce Tee Higgins has been franchise tagged for 2nd season in a row

The Bengals Place the Franchise Tag on Tee Higgins for the Second Consecutive Year

The Cincinnati Bengals have taken a significant step to retain one of their key players, wide receiver Tee Higgins, by placing the franchise tag on him for the second year in a row. This move, confirmed by Higgins himself on social media with a simple yet telling post, ensures that he will remain with the team for the 2025 season. The Bengals have expressed their intention to continue working toward a long-term contract with Higgins, signaling their commitment to keeping him in Cincinnati. However, if a long-term deal cannot be reached by the July 15 deadline, Higgins will play under the tag, earning a substantial salary of $26.2 million for the upcoming season.

A Player in Demand: Higgins’ Value to the Bengals

Despite the challenges in negotiations, the Bengals remain optimistic about securing a long-term deal with Higgins. His importance to the team is undeniable, as evidenced by his consistent performance over the years. Higgins has been one of the top wide receivers in the league, with two 1,000-yard seasons in 2021 and 2022, and a career-high 10 touchdowns in the 2024 season, despite playing only 12 games. His ability to contribute significantly even when not fully healthy underscores his value to the team. The franchise tag serves as a temporary solution, but both parties are aware that a more permanent arrangement is needed to secure Higgins’ future with the Bengals.

The Broader Context: Contract Negotiations and Team Dynamics

While the Bengals are focused on retaining Higgins, they are also navigating a complex landscape of contract negotiations with other key players. Ja’Marr Chase, another standout wide receiver, is expected to command a lucrative deal, potentially making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league. The Bengals’ general manager, Duke Tobin, has acknowledging the challenge of balancing these high-profile contracts while maintaining a competitive roster. Additionally, Trey Hendrickson, the NFL’s leading sack artist from 2024, is also set to become a free agent, adding another layer of complexity to the team’s offseason decisions. The ability to manage these contracts will be crucial in determining the Bengals’ success in the coming years.

The Role of Teammates and Camaraderie in Contract Talks

The dynamics between Higgins and his teammates have also played a role in the contract discussions. Quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase have publicly expressed their desire for Higgins to remain in Cincinnati. Burrow, in particular, has been vocal about his hope that Higgins stays, even stating that he would be “disappointed” if his teammate were to leave. These public endorsements highlight the strong camaraderie within the team and the importance of Higgins’ presence both on and off the field. While these statements may not directly influence contract negotiations, they do underscore the value of maintaining a cohesive and talented roster.

A New Agent and New Hope for a Long-Term Deal

Higgins enters this offseason with a new agent, a development that could potentially pave the way for smoother negotiations. Notably, his new agent also represents Ja’Marr Chase, which could create a sense of continuity and cooperation in the way contracts are structured for both players. The Bengals are hopeful that this change will facilitate a more productive dialogue and ultimately lead to a long-term deal. Given Higgins’ production and the team’s desire to retain him, there is a sense of optimism that this offseason will be different from the contentious negotiations of the past.

Looking Ahead: The Bengals’ Quest to Secure Their Stars

As the Bengals navigate the complexities of contract negotiations, the ultimate goal remains clear: to secure long-term deals with Higgins, Chase, and Hendrickson, ensuring that the core of their roster remains intact. The team’s inability to make the postseason in 2024, despite Burrow’s league-leading performance, serves as a reminder of the importance of retaining and bolstering their talent. The Bengals are well-aware that the NFL is a competitive landscape, and keeping their star players will be key to sustaining success in the years to come. With the franchise tag securing Higgins for the short term, the focus now shifts to the long-term vision and the challenges that lie ahead in achieving it. The outcome of these negotiations will not only shape the immediate future of the Bengals but also set the stage for their aspirations in the 2025 season and beyond.