Tee Higgins to Play Under Franchise Tag for Bengals in 2024
In a significant development for the Cincinnati Bengals, wide receiver Tee Higgins will play the 2024 NFL season under the franchise tag. Despite extensive negotiations, the two sides failed to reach a long-term extension before the NFL's July 15 deadline for franchise-tagged players to sign new deals. This situation makes Higgins the only player among the league's eight franchise-tagged individuals this offseason who did not secure a new contract.
Higgins' journey with the Bengals has been nothing short of spectacular. Drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Clemson, he quickly became a key component of Cincinnati's offense. Over four seasons, Higgins has surpassed 1,000 yards receiving twice. He has consistently posted at least five touchdowns each season, making him a reliable target for quarterback Joe Burrow.
The 2024 season, however, comes with its own set of challenges. Higgins missed the Bengals' mandatory minicamp in search of a lucrative extension. Eventually, he signed his one-year franchise tender on June 15, 2024, guaranteeing him $21.816 million for the season. Despite this, his desire for a long-term deal led him to request a trade after being tagged in late February. However, the Bengals did not grant this request, choosing to retain the star receiver for another season.
Head Coach Zac Taylor's Take
Head coach Zac Taylor is optimistic about Higgins' return. "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.
Despite being limited to 12 games due to a hamstring injury in the most recent season, Higgins managed to accumulate 656 yards and five touchdowns on 42 receptions. This performance underlines his importance to the team's offensive strategy. With Higgins back in the lineup, the Bengals aim to build on their offensive prowess heading into the new season.
Franchise Tag Trend in Cincinnati
Higgins' situation mirrors that of past Bengals players who have been franchise-tagged. Safety Jessie Bates III and offensive tackle Jonah Williams both experienced similar scenarios. Bates played out his tagged season before leaving the team in free agency, whereas Williams remained with the Bengals through his tagged season and then explored free agency opportunities. These precedents shed light on how the franchise tag can be both a temporary solution and a potential stepping stone towards long-term player decisions.
The Road Ahead
As the Bengals prepare for the 2024 season, the focus will undoubtedly be on maximizing their offensive potential. Higgins' return is a boost for a team aiming to make a deep playoff run. With his proven track record and the determination to secure a long-term deal eventually, Higgins is poised to be a cornerstone of the Bengals' offense once again.
While negotiations for a long-term extension may have stalled, the 2024 season offers Higgins an opportunity to further prove his worth and solidify his standing within the league. As he steps onto the field under the franchise tag, all eyes will be on him to see how he navigates this crucial season both for his career and the aspirations of the Cincinnati Bengals.