Bengals WR Tee Higgins has officially signed his franchise tag, but negotiations for a long-term deal remain at an impasse. The franchise tag, valued at $21.816 million fully guaranteed, secures Higgins’ services for the 2024 season but leaves his future with the Bengals uncertain.
Higgins’ journey to this point has been marked by standout performances on the field and mounting frustrations off it. Drafted by the Bengals in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Higgins quickly established himself as a key component of Cincinnati’s high-powered offense. His size, speed, and reliable hands have made him a favorite target for quarterback Joe Burrow, contributing significantly to the Bengals’ recent successes, including their Super Bowl run in the 2021 season.
Despite his contributions, contract negotiations between Higgins and the Bengals have been rocky. Earlier this year, Higgins expressed dissatisfaction with the team’s reluctance to offer a long-term deal, leading to his trade request. The Bengals’ decision to place the franchise tag on him was a strategic move to retain their star receiver while buying time for further negotiations. However, it also underscored the tension between Higgins’ desire for security and the team’s salary cap constraints.
The franchise tag guarantees Higgins a substantial payday for the upcoming season, but it doesn’t provide the long-term stability he seeks. From the team’s perspective, committing to a multi-year deal for Higgins is complicated by several factors. The Bengals need to manage the salary cap carefully, especially with other key players, including Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase, approaching contract negotiations of their own.
The decision to sign the franchise tag and report to training camp indicates Higgins’ professionalism and commitment to the team, even amid unresolved contract issues. His presence at camp is crucial for maintaining chemistry with Burrow and the rest of the offense, and it signals his intent to continue performing at a high level despite the ongoing uncertainty.
As the 2024 season approaches, all eyes will be on how this situation unfolds. The Bengals face the challenge of balancing their financial constraints with the need to retain a player of Higgins’ caliber. For Higgins, the franchise tag year is an opportunity to further prove his worth and potentially secure the long-term deal he desires, whether in Cincinnati or elsewhere.