Bengals Place Franchise Tag on Tee Higgins, Future Uncertain
The Cincinnati Bengals have once again opted to utilize the franchise tag, this time securing wide receiver Tee Higgins for the upcoming 2025 season. This move, made just before the Tuesday deadline, prevents Higgins from entering free agency and potentially signing with another team. While the Bengals’ front office, led by director of player personnel Duke Tobin, has publicly expressed a desire to sign Higgins to a long-term contract, the franchise tag signifies a lack of agreement on the receiver’s market value.
A source close to the situation confirmed the decision to USA TODAY Sports, emphasizing the sensitivity surrounding the negotiations. The use of the franchise tag underscores the Bengals’ commitment to maintaining their potent offensive firepower, particularly in the passing game, but also highlights the challenges in balancing financial constraints with player demands.
Higgins himself reacted to the news with a simple "tag." post on his X account, reflecting a likely mix of disappointment and resignation. This marks the second consecutive year Higgins has been tagged, after previously requesting a trade before reluctantly playing under the tag last season.
The financial implications of this decision are significant. The wide receiver franchise tag is valued at $23.959 million, a substantial investment for a single season. However, given that this is the second time Higgins has received the tag, his salary jumps to $26.2 million for the 2025 season. This considerable price tag puts pressure on the Bengals’ salary cap and could limit their ability to address other needs on the roster.
Quarterback Joe Burrow, the cornerstone of the Bengals’ offense, has publicly advocated for the team to secure long-term extensions for both Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase, recognizing the importance of their contributions to the team’s success. Chase, currently operating under his rookie contract, is eligible for a lucrative extension himself, further complicating the Bengals’ long-term financial planning.
The trio of Burrow, Chase, and Higgins formed a dynamic offensive force in 2024, leading the Bengals to the top of the league’s passing attack. Burrow had a stellar year, leading the NFL in passing attempts, completions, passing yards, and touchdown passes. Chase claimed the receiver triple crown, and Higgins recorded an impressive 73 receptions, 911 receiving yards, and 10 touchdowns. These stats demonstrate the vital role each player has in the team’s offensive scheme.
Higgins’ career statistics further solidify his value to the Bengals. In his five seasons with the team, he has amassed 330 receptions, 4,595 receiving yards, and 34 touchdowns. Originally drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, just after Burrow was selected first overall, Higgins has consistently proven to be a reliable and productive target.
Prior to the franchise tag decision, Higgins was ranked as the number one player on USA TODAY Sports’ list of top 25 free agents, underscoring his desirability across the league. Teams would undoubtedly be eager to acquire a receiver of his caliber, making the Bengals’ reluctance to let him walk understandable.
The Bengals view Higgins and Chase as one of the premier wide receiver duos in the NFL. Their ability to consistently create separation, make contested catches, and score touchdowns makes them a nightmare for opposing defenses. Burrow, who was named NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2024, has developed exceptional chemistry with both receivers, allowing them to execute plays with precision and efficiency.
Higgins has consistently performed at a high level, recording at least 900 receiving yards in four of his five seasons with the Bengals, including two 1,000-yard seasons in 2021 and 2022. This consistent production makes him a valuable asset to the team’s offense.
However, the franchise tag does not alleviate the underlying tension between Higgins and the Bengals. He has been vocal about his desire for a long-term contract that reflects his contributions to the team and provides financial security. By NFL rule, the Bengals have until July 15th to negotiate a long-term deal with Higgins before the franchise tag becomes permanent for the 2025 season.
If a long-term agreement cannot be reached by the deadline, Higgins will be forced to play the 2025 season under the franchise tag, and his future with the Bengals will remain uncertain. This scenario could lead to further frustration and potentially impact his performance on the field. It could also result in him becoming a free agent after the 2025 season, leaving the Bengals with nothing in return for his services.
The Bengals’ decision to franchise tag Higgins is a short-term solution that allows them to retain a key player for another season. However, it does not address the long-term issues surrounding his contract and his desire for financial security. The next few months will be critical as the Bengals attempt to negotiate a long-term deal with Higgins and secure his future in Cincinnati. The outcome of these negotiations will have a significant impact on the Bengals’ offense and their ability to compete for a Super Bowl in the years to come. Retaining both Higgins and Chase is vital to maintain the success they had in 2024.
