The Cincinnati Bengals and wide receiver Tee Higgins find themselves at a critical juncture heading into the 2024 NFL season. Despite efforts to secure a lasting agreement, the Bengals and Higgins failed to reach a long-term contract extension before the NFL's July 15 deadline for franchise-tagged players. As a result, Higgins will play under the franchise tag this season.
Higgins Under Franchise Tag
Signing his one-year franchise tender on June 15, 2024, Higgins is guaranteed $21.816 million for the upcoming season. The move came after the Bengals placed the franchise tag on him in late February 2024, a decision that halted negotiations for a long-term deal and pushed him to seek a lucrative extension. His absence from the team's mandatory minicamp during this period underscored his determination to secure a more enduring agreement.
The Lone Player Without a Long-Term Deal
Interestingly, Higgins was the only player among the league's eight franchise-tagged individuals this offseason who did not secure a new contract. This development places him in a unique position and adds another layer of complexity to the Bengals' roster dynamics. After being tagged, Higgins even went as far as requesting a trade, which the Bengals declined to grant.
Performance Amidst Uncertainty
Despite the contract turmoil, Higgins' performance on the field has remained commendable. Over his four seasons with the Bengals, he has surpassed 1,000 yards receiving twice, showcasing his value to the team's offensive scheme. Even in a hampered 2023 season where a hamstring injury limited him to 12 games, Higgins managed to accumulate 656 yards and five touchdowns on 42 receptions.
Higgins' knack for the end zone has been a consistent asset for the Bengals. Drafted by Cincinnati in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Clemson, he has posted at least five touchdowns in each of his seasons with the team. These statistics highlight his reliability and underscore why the Bengals are keen to have him on the field, despite the unresolved contract situation.
Comparing Past Franchise-Tagged Players
The Bengals' handling of players under the franchise tag follows a recognizable pattern. Past examples include safety Jessie Bates III and offensive tackle Jonah Williams. Bates played out his tagged season before leaving in free agency, while Williams also played his tagged season before exploring free agency opportunities. This precedent suggests that the Bengals management is accustomed to navigating the complexities associated with franchise-tagged players.
Moving Forward with Optimism
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor expressed optimism and support for Higgins despite the unresolved contract issues. "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, reflecting the team's eagerness to integrate Higgins back into their plans dynamically.
As the 2024 season looms, the Bengals must capitalize on Higgins' talents while navigating the broader negotiations that could define his future in Cincinnati. For now, all eyes will be on Higgins as he takes the field under the conditions of his franchise tag, aiming to demonstrate once again why he remains an invaluable component of the Bengals' offensive lineup.