In a significant offseason development, Tee Higgins and the Cincinnati Bengals were unable to come to terms on a long-term extension prior to the NFL's franchise-tag deadline on July 15. As a result, Higgins will now play the 2024 season under the franchise tag, a move that secures him $21.816 million for the year.
The decision to apply the franchise tag was made by the Bengals in late February 2024, as negotiations on a new contract seemed to stall. Despite his contributions on the field, which include surpassing 1,000 receiving yards in two of his four seasons, Higgins joins an exclusive group this offseason as the only one among eight franchise-tagged players who did not secure a fresh deal.
This offseason saw Higgins determined to renegotiate his contract. His absence from the Bengals' mandatory minicamp in pursuit of a lucrative extension underscored the seriousness of his intentions. Adding to the offseason tension, Higgins requested a trade after being tagged, a plea the Bengals refused.
Head coach Zac Taylor expressed his optimism and support, 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."
Higgins' Impact on the Field
Drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Clemson, Higgins’ performance with the Bengals has been notable. Consistently delivering on the field, he has posted at least five touchdowns in each season. Despite a hamstring injury that limited him to just 12 games last season, Higgins managed to accumulate 656 yards and five touchdowns on 42 receptions, proving his resilience and value to the team.
A History of Franchise Tags with the Bengals
The Bengals have a recent history of dealing with franchise-tagged players seeking long-term security. Both Jessie Bates III and Jonah Williams found themselves in similar situations. While Bates eventually played out his tagged season and left in free agency, Williams remained with the team for his tagged season before exploring new opportunities. For Higgins, time will tell if he follows a similar path or if an agreement can be reached in the future.
Looking Forward
The upcoming season will be crucial for both Higgins and the Bengals. As the wide receiver aims to demonstrate his worth on a potentially final campaign in Cincinnati, the stakes are high. The Bengals are counting on his performance to bolster their offense, especially given his ability to deliver game-changing plays when healthy.
As the story unfolds, all eyes will be on Higgins to see if he can once again rise to the occasion and maintain his track record of productivity, despite the external pressures and uncertainties surrounding his contract situation. For the Bengals, the focus will be on integrating Higgins seamlessly back into the fold and maximizing the opportunities presented by having one of the league’s premier wide receivers on their roster for at least one more season.