Tee Higgins Stays with Bengals Under Franchise Tag
Tee Higgins and the Cincinnati Bengals have not reached a long-term extension before the NFL's July 15 deadline for franchise-tagged players to sign long-term deals. This development sets the stage for Higgins to play the 2024 season under the franchise tag, making him the only player among the league's eight franchise-tagged individuals this offseason who did not secure a new contract.
On June 15, 2024, Higgins committed to the Bengals for another year by signing his one-year franchise tender, a move that guarantees him $21.816 million for the upcoming season. This substantial sum underlines the significant role Higgins has played in the Bengals' offense since being drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Clemson.
Prior to accepting the franchise tag, Higgins did not attend the Bengals' mandatory minicamp, as he was actively seeking a lucrative extension. The Bengals placed the franchise tag on Higgins in late February 2024, a decision that brought about a mixture of negotiations and some uncertainties regarding his future with the team. After being tagged, Higgins requested a trade, a plea that the Bengals decided not to entertain.
Higgins' impressive performance on the field has made him a valuable asset for the Bengals. He has surpassed 1,000 yards receiving twice in his four seasons with the team. However, the most recent season saw him limited to just 12 games due to a hamstring injury, during which he accumulated 656 yards and five touchdowns on 42 receptions. Despite these impressive stats, the absence of a long-term agreement places a spotlight on how the 2024 season will unfold for both Higgins and the Bengals.
Bengals' head coach Zac Taylor expressed optimism and support for Higgins, 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."
This is not the first time the Bengals have navigated similar circumstances with franchise-tagged players. Past players such as Jessie Bates III and Jonah Williams also faced comparable scenarios. Bates played out his tagged season before leaving in free agency, while Williams stayed with the team, played his tagged season, and then explored free agency opportunities.
Higgins' track record with the Bengals has been consistent and commendable. Since joining the team, he has managed to post at least five touchdowns in each season, reinforcing his value as a reliable target in the Bengals' passing game.
As the Bengals and Higgins head into the 2024 season under the terms of the franchise tag, all eyes will be on how this situation evolves. Higgins' decision to play under the tag rather than holding out demonstrates his commitment to his teammates and the organization. However, the long-term future remains uncertain, and performances in the coming season could very well determine the next steps for both Higgins and the Bengals.