Star wide receiver Tee Higgins is set to play out the 2024 NFL season under the franchise tag after contract negotiations with the Cincinnati Bengals failed to yield a long-term extension before Monday's deadline. This development means Higgins will earn a fully guaranteed $21.8 million for the upcoming season, securing his spot as one of the top earners at his position. Nonetheless, the outcome leaves an air of uncertainty surrounding his future with the franchise.
Despite the lucrative payday, Higgins, who had hoped to secure a more predictable and extended future, had requested a trade in March. However, the Bengals decided against honoring his trade request, instead opting to keep the talented wide receiver on their roster under the franchise tag.
Bengals Make Moves to Secure Burrow
The Bengals' decision might be partly driven by their recent financial commitments elsewhere. The franchise has made quarterback Joe Burrow the highest-paid player in the NFL with a five-year, $275 million extension. This monumental contract indicates the Bengals' dedication to building a team around Burrow, and they likely see Higgins as a crucial component of that frameworkâat least for the upcoming season.
Salary Cap Considerations
While Higgins continues to be a valuable asset for the Bengals, the financial implications of keeping him under the franchise tag are significant. The New York Jets, with just $6.254 million in cap space, are one of several teams that might have eyed Higgins as a potential trade acquisition. Given their limited cap space, they would need to get creative to fit a player of Higgins' caliber on their payroll. As one source put it, "The New York Jets don't have a ton of cap space left to play with for this season, but they could get creative in their accounting for a Higgins extension by providing him with a massive signing bonus and backloading his contract to defer larger cap hits to future years."
Other teams, like the Washington Commanders and the New England Patriots, with $37 million and $43.763 million in cap space respectively, are in a far better position to absorb Higgins' contract. The Los Angeles Chargers, with $20.656 million in cap space this season and nearly $43 million projected for 2025, also have substantial room to maneuver. For such teams, acquiring Higgins would be a matter of balancing cap space considerations with their longer-term strategic priorities.
Higgins' Role with the Bengals
Higgins has been a reliable and impactful player for Cincinnati since being drafted. With this franchise tag, it was assumed he would continue to be a top target of Burrow's for years to come. However, the lack of a long-term deal leaves questions about his future role and whether the Bengals can eventually meet his contractual expectations.
While the situation is far from ideal for Higgins, his presence is integral for the Bengals' offensive scheme, especially now with Burrow's new contract setting the foundation for the team's efforts to make a deep playoff run. The franchise's refusal to trade Higgins earlier this year speaks volumes about his perceived value and the Bengals' commitment to maximizing their potential for the 2024 season.
The upcoming training camp, where Higgins is expected to report when veterans convene on July 23, will provide a critical opportunity for him to solidify his standing with the team. His performance this season could either pave the way for a future long-term extension with Cincinnati or set the stage for a more lucrative deal elsewhere.
As the season progresses, every catch, route, and touchdown by Higgins will be under scrutiny, as both the player and the franchise navigate the complexities of NFL contracts, salary caps, and team dynamics. Whether he remains a Bengal beyond this season remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: his talents will undoubtedly make a significant impact on the field.