The Cincinnati Bengals and wide receiver Tee Higgins reached a standstill this offseason as they failed to secure a long-term extension. As a result, Higgins will play the 2024 season under the franchise tag, an arrangement that guarantees him $21.816 million for the year.
Higgins, one of eight players in the NFL to be franchise-tagged this offseason, stood out as the only one who did not lock down a new contract. Selected by the Bengals in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Clemson, Higgins has established himself as a key asset for the team. Over his four seasons with Cincinnati, he has twice surpassed 1,000 receiving yards and consistently posted at least five touchdowns per season.
Contract Standoff and Trade Request
The Bengals placed the franchise tag on Higgins in late February 2024, a move that sparked tensions as Higgins aimed for a lucrative extension. His absence from the team's mandatory minicamp was a clear signal of his intentions. "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," said Bengals head coach Zac Taylor, emphasizing the team's relief in securing Higgins’ participation for the upcoming season.
Despite his efforts to push for a long-term deal, Higgins ultimately signed his one-year franchise tender on June 15, 2024. The situation reached another dramatic twist when Higgins requested a trade following the franchise tag designation. However, the Bengals chose not to grant his request, leaving Higgins to play out his tagged season in Cincinnati.
Performance and Injury
The most recent season saw Higgins' performance hindered by a hamstring injury that limited him to 12 games. Despite this setback, he managed to accumulate 656 yards and five touchdowns on 42 receptions. This resilient display underlines the Bengals’ faith in his abilities, which are often showcased when he is in peak physical condition.
Historical Context and Team Dynamics
This isn’t the first time the Bengals have operated with franchise-tagged players under similar circumstances. Past cases include Jessie Bates III and Jonah Williams. Bates played out his tagged season and then departed in free agency. Williams, too, stayed and played under the tag before considering free agency options. These precedents draw a roadmap for Higgins, presenting possible outcomes as he navigates this pivotal season.
As the Bengals gear up for the 2024 season, the focus will undoubtedly be on capitalizing on Higgins' talents despite the unresolved long-term contract. The franchise tag ensures his presence on the field, which remains a crucial element for Cincinnati's offensive strategy. With players and coaches expressing optimism about having Higgins back, the stage is set for an intriguing season that could redefine both his career trajectory and the team's dynamics.