The anticipated move in Cincinnati regarding wide receiver Tee Higgins has been confirmed. The Bengals have placed the franchise tag on Higgins for the second consecutive year, a fact he acknowledged on social media with a simple post stating “tag.” The team later officially announced their intention to pursue a long-term contract with the veteran receiver.
If a long-term agreement is not reached, Higgins is set to earn $26.2 million for the 2025 season, a situation that mirrors last offseason when no deal was finalized. There is a deadline of July 15 to secure a new contract; otherwise, Higgins will play under the franchise tag. However, the Bengals remain hopeful about reaching an agreement, especially with support from teammates like quarterback Joe Burrow and fellow receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who have expressed their desire for Higgins to stay in Cincinnati. Burrow even mentioned he would be “disappointed” if Higgins were to leave.
There are also considerations regarding Chase’s future contract, as he is a candidate to become the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league, according to General Manager Duke Tobin’s recent comments at the NFL Scouting Combine. This raises questions about Higgins’ situation, particularly with Trey Hendrickson, the NFL’s leading sack artist from 2024, also set to enter free agency this offseason.
Despite Chase’s increased role, Higgins has consistently delivered impressive performances, achieving two 1,000-yard seasons in 2021 and 2022, and recording 73 receptions for 911 yards and a career-high 10 touchdowns in just 12 games last season. Unfortunately, the Bengals did not qualify for the postseason, even with Burrow leading the league in passing yards and touchdowns.
Higgins has been seeking a more favorable contract since the 2023 offseason, and after being tagged in 2024, he played under the franchise tag despite some contentious negotiation reports. This offseason, he has a new agent, who also represents Chase. While Higgins was expected to be a highly sought-after free agent, the Bengals are aiming to take the necessary time to finalize a deal with him this time around.
