The Cincinnati Bengals have decided to exercise their franchise tag on wide receiver Tee Higgins, ensuring that he will remain with the team for at least one more season. This move sets the stage for a potential long-term agreement between the two parties, but if no deal is reached by July 15, Higgins will be locked into a one-year contract worth $21.816 million, in line with the league-wide franchise tag amount for wide receivers in 2024.
Since being drafted in the second round in 2020, Tee Higgins has been a crucial part of the Bengals’ offense. In his first four seasons with the team, he has amassed 257 receptions for 3,684 yards and 24 touchdowns. Additionally, in seven postseason games, Higgins has contributed 31 receptions for 457 yards and three touchdowns. Head coach Zac Taylor praised Higgins’ contributions, stating that he is thrilled to have him continue to be a key asset for the team.
Despite securing Tee Higgins for another season, the Bengals still have financial considerations to weigh in the coming years. With quarterback Joe Burrow signing a record-breaking contract extension in 2023, along with Ja’Marr Chase poised to secure a lucrative deal as well, the team will need to carefully manage their salary cap to maintain a competitive roster. The pressure will be on for the Bengals to make smart financial decisions while ensuring they can retain key players like Higgins, Burrow, and Chase for the long term.
As the Bengals navigate the complexities of managing their roster and salary cap, the decision to franchise Tee Higgins signals their commitment to building a strong and competitive team for the future. With talented players like Higgins, Burrow, and Chase leading the way, the Bengals are poised to make a splash in the NFL for years to come. Through strategic decision-making and smart financial planning, the Bengals aim to create a winning formula that will propel them to success in the seasons ahead.