As the NFL's July 15 deadline for franchise-tagged players to secure long-term deals passed, Tee Higgins and the Cincinnati Bengals were unable to reach an agreement. Consequently, Higgins will play the 2024 season under the franchise tag. Higgins, who missed the Bengals' mandatory minicamp in hopes of landing a lucrative extension, signed his one-year franchise tender on June 15, 2024, ensuring a guaranteed $21.816 million for the season.
A Unique Situation
Among the league's eight franchise-tagged players this offseason, Higgins stands out as the only one who didn't secure a new contract. The Bengals placed the franchise tag on Higgins in late February 2024, a move that sparked significant speculation about his future with the team. Notably, Higgins requested a trade following the tagging, a request that the Bengals ultimately did not grant.
Comparing Past Experiences
The Bengals have seen similar situations in the past with other key players. Jessie Bates III, for instance, played out his tagged season before heading to free agency. Jonah Williams also stayed with the team under the franchise tag, later exploring his options in free agency. Higgins, it appears, is following a somewhat familiar path, though the outcome remains to be seen.
On the Field and in the Locker Room
Since being drafted by the Bengals in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Clemson, Higgins has been a crucial part of the team’s offense. He's surpassed 1,000 yards receiving twice in his four seasons and has consistently posted at least five touchdowns each year. In the most recent season, despite being limited to 12 games due to a hamstring injury, Higgins still managed to accumulate 656 yards and five touchdowns on 42 receptions.
Team Dynamics Moving Forward
Head coach Zac Taylor expressed optimism regarding Higgins' return, stating, "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."
The Bengals’ ability to retain Higgins for the upcoming season keeps a reliable offensive weapon on their roster, vital for their strategic game planning. However, the uncertainty about his long-term future with the team casts a shadow over the otherwise promising setup for the 2024 NFL season.
The relationship between Higgins and the Bengals will be a storyline to watch as the season progresses. With his contract situation unresolved, how Higgins performs on the field will be under scrutiny. His efforts to prove his value, not only to the Bengals but potentially to other suitors in free agency, could drive a standout season for the wide receiver.
As fans anticipate the start of the 2024 season, Higgins' situation garners attention not just in Cincinnati, but across the league. The Bengals' decisions regarding their franchise-tagged talents and how these choices impact team dynamics will undoubtedly be a focal point as the team seeks to build on its past successes.