The Cincinnati Bengals and wide receiver Tee Higgins find themselves in a familiar yet challenging situation after failing to reach a long-term extension before the NFL's July 15 deadline. Higgins, who was franchise-tagged earlier this offseason, will be playing the 2024 season under the franchise tag, earning a guaranteed $21.816 million.
The franchise tag was placed on Higgins in late February 2024, leading to a series of events that have made headlines in the NFL community. Higgins was the only player among the league's eight franchise-tagged individuals this offseason who did not secure a new contract. He signed his one-year franchise tender on June 15, 2024, but not before making a bold move by requesting a trade in February, a request that the Bengals swiftly denied.
Head coach Zac Taylor shed light on the situation with a positive outlook. "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," Taylor said.
A Season of High Expectations
Higgins has proven to be a vital asset to the Bengals' offensive lineup since being drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Clemson. Despite being limited to 12 games in the most recent season due to a hamstring injury, Higgins managed to accumulate 656 yards and five touchdowns on 42 receptions. His resilience and consistent performance, achieving over 1,000 receiving yards twice in his four seasons, have cemented his reputation as a dependable receiver.
Higgins' absence from the Bengals' mandatory minicamp earlier in the offseason raised eyebrows and fueled speculation. Seeking a lucrative extension, his holdout underscored the growing tension between the player and the team's front office. The franchise's decision not to grant his trade request indicates their belief in his value on the field and their commitment to retaining him for the upcoming season.
Franchise Tag History
This situation is not new territory for the Bengals. Past players like Jessie Bates III and Jonah Williams have experienced similar circumstances while being franchise-tagged by the team. Bates played out his tagged season before leaving in free agency, whereas Williams remained with the team and explored free agency opportunities after his tagged year. The franchise tag, while securing player services for an additional year, often brings uncertainty and potential for tension in contract negotiations.
The Bengals' strategy of utilizing the franchise tag underscores their cautious approach to long-term commitments, preferring to assess player performance and health over another season. For Higgins, this season under the franchise tag could be pivotal not only for his career but also for the Bengals' aspirations in the 2024 season.
Looking Ahead
As the Bengals prepare for the 2024 season, much of their offensive success will hinge on Higgins' contributions. His ability to perform at an elite level, despite previous injury setbacks, will be crucial for quarterback Joe Burrow and the team's offensive dynamics. Higgins has consistently displayed remarkable skill, scoring at least five touchdowns in each season with the Bengals.
With the franchise tag situation now settled, at least for the upcoming season, Higgins and the Bengals can shift their focus back to the field. The commitment from the team and the positive sentiment from Coach Taylor suggest a unified effort toward achieving their goals. As Higgins dons the orange and black for another critical season, the Cincinnati Bengals and their fans will be hoping for a seamless transition and a successful campaign ahead.