Cincinnati Bengals Tag Tee Higgins, Aim for Long-Term Deal
The widely anticipated move in Cincinnati regarding wide receiver Tee Higgins has materialized. The Bengals have officially placed the franchise tag on Higgins, marking the second consecutive year they’ve utilized this designation on the talented receiver. Higgins himself confirmed the tag via a post on X, signaling the continuation of his career in stripes for at least another season, unless a long-term agreement is reached. Following Higgins’s announcement, the Bengals organization publicly affirmed their intention to pursue a long-term contract with the veteran pass-catcher, hoping to secure his services beyond the upcoming season.
The implications of the franchise tag are significant. Currently, Higgins is slated to earn $26.2 million for the 2025 season if a long-term deal cannot be negotiated. The Bengals faced a similar scenario last offseason, ultimately failing to reach an agreement with Higgins before the deadline. This year, the pressure is on, as the deadline for securing a long-term deal looms on July 15. If the Bengals and Higgins’s representatives cannot come to terms by then, Higgins will be obligated to play under the terms of the franchise tag, essentially a one-year contract.
Despite the challenges of negotiation, the Bengals remain optimistic about their ability to secure a long-term commitment from Higgins. The organization is buoyed by the vocal support Higgins has received from key teammates, including quarterback Joe Burrow and fellow star receiver Ja’Marr Chase. Both players have publicly expressed their desire for Higgins to remain in Cincinnati, recognizing his value to the team’s offensive success.
Joe Burrow has been particularly vocal, stating that he would be "disappointed" if Higgins were to depart for another team. Burrow’s sentiment underscores the strong connection and on-field chemistry that has developed between the quarterback and his talented receiver. The presence of Higgins provides Burrow with a reliable target and a crucial element in the Bengals’ passing attack.
The Bengals’ desire to retain Higgins is further complicated by the looming contract negotiations with Ja’Marr Chase. Chase, who has quickly established himself as one of the league’s premier receivers, is also due for a new contract. There is widespread speculation that Chase could command a contract that would make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL. Bengals General Manager Duke Tobin alluded to this possibility during his media session at the NFL Scouting Combine, acknowledging Chase’s exceptional value and potential earning power.
The prospect of awarding Chase a record-breaking contract raises questions about the Bengals’ ability to also secure a long-term deal with Higgins. Managing the salary cap effectively will be crucial, as the Bengals aim to retain both of their star receivers while also addressing other roster needs. The financial constraints of the NFL necessitate difficult decisions, and the Bengals will need to carefully weigh their options to ensure the long-term competitiveness of the team.
Beyond the Higgins and Chase negotiations, the Bengals also face the challenge of securing a long-term deal with Trey Hendrickson, the NFL’s leading sack man from 2024. Hendrickson is also set to become a free agent this offseason, and his pass-rushing prowess makes him a highly coveted player. Retaining Hendrickson would bolster the Bengals’ defense and provide a significant boost to their chances of contending for a Super Bowl.
Despite the emergence of Ja’Marr Chase as a focal point in the Bengals’ offense, Tee Higgins has consistently delivered impressive production. In both the 2021 and 2022 seasons, Higgins surpassed the 1,000-yard receiving mark, solidifying his status as a top-tier receiver. In the past season, despite playing in just 12 games, Higgins recorded 73 receptions for 911 yards and a career-high 10 touchdowns. His ability to produce even in a limited number of games highlights his impact and value to the Bengals’ offense.
The Bengals’ inability to reach the postseason this past year underscores the urgency of retaining key players like Higgins and Hendrickson. Despite Burrow leading the league in passing yards and passing touchdowns, the Bengals fell short of expectations, highlighting the need for a well-rounded team with depth and talent at multiple positions.
The history of contract negotiations between Higgins and the Bengals has been fraught with challenges. Discussions began as early as the 2023 offseason, but the two sides have yet to reach a mutually agreeable deal. Higgins played under the franchise tag in 2024, despite reports of contentious negotiations and disagreements on contract terms.
A significant development in the current offseason is Higgins’s decision to switch agents. He is now represented by the same agent as Ja’Marr Chase, potentially streamlining communication and negotiation processes between the players and the Bengals organization. Whether this change in representation will facilitate a more favorable outcome for Higgins remains to be seen.
Prior to being franchise tagged, Higgins was widely expected to be one of the most sought-after free agents on the market this offseason. His talent and potential would have attracted significant interest from numerous teams across the league. However, the Bengals’ decision to use the franchise tag has temporarily prevented him from exploring those opportunities.
The Bengals’ decision to franchise tag Higgins reflects their desire to retain his services and their belief that he can contribute to their success. The organization now has a window of opportunity to negotiate a long-term deal with Higgins, avoiding the uncertainty and potential disruption of another franchise tag season.
The Bengals’ ability to navigate these complex contract negotiations will be crucial in shaping the future of the franchise. Retaining key players like Higgins, Chase, and Hendrickson will provide a strong foundation for sustained success, while failing to do so could lead to significant challenges in the years to come. The Bengals face a critical juncture, and their decisions in the coming months will have a lasting impact on the team’s trajectory.
