As the Cincinnati Bengals embark on their 2024 NFL campaign, wide receiver Tee Higgins will play under the franchise tag, a development that seems like a double-edged sword for both the player and the organization.
A Waiting Game
Tee Higgins and the Bengals were unable to negotiate a long-term contract before the NFL's July 15 deadline for franchise-tagged players to sign extended deals. Consequently, Higgins is set to play the upcoming season under the franchise tag valued at $21.816 million. This scenario marks an intriguing chapter in Higgins' career, making him the only player among the NFL's eight franchise-tagged individuals from this offseason to remain without a new contract.
While this arrangement leaves Higgins with financial security for the next year, it also draws attention to the uncertain future looming over him as he seeks a long-term solution. Head coach Zac Taylor recognized the situation and commented, "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."
A Season to Prove
Higgins' absence from the Bengals' mandatory minicamp, as he pursued a more lucrative extension, underscored the tension from both sides. Selected by the Bengals in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Clemson, Higgins has been a prolific player, posting at least five touchdowns each season with the team. Notably, he has surpassed the 1,000-yard receiving mark twice in his four seasons with Cincinnati.
However, the previous season proved challenging for Higgins as he was limited to 12 games due to a hamstring injury. Nevertheless, he still managed to accumulate 656 yards and five touchdowns on 42 receptions, demonstrating his resilience and skill, even when not at full capacity.
Trade Request Denied
Upon being franchise-tagged by the Bengals in late February 2024, Higgins responded with a trade request. This move signaled a desire to secure a longer-term deal elsewhere, but the team stood firm and did not grant his request. This refusal leaves both parties in a consequential stand-off as they navigate the upcoming season and beyond.
The context of Higgins' situation is not entirely unique. Other players like Jessie Bates III and Jonah Williams found themselves in similar predicaments with the Bengals while being franchise-tagged. Bates opted to play out his tagged season before leaving in free agency, whereas Williams stayed with the Bengals throughout his tagged season before exploring other opportunities in the market.
The Road Ahead
Given Higgins' demonstrated capability and his aspirations for a long-term deal, the upcoming season holds significant weight. His role in the Bengals' offense remains paramount, and his performance could either solidify his long-term future with the team or once again make him a desirable asset in the free agency market. For the Bengals, Higgins' proven track record and high ceiling make him a valuable, if currently unsettled, part of their strategy to forge a path back to postseason success.
The Bengals and Higgins will finally converge on the field as the focus shifts from contract uncertainties to the more immediate demands of NFL competition. As Coach Zac Taylor put it, the locker room is indeed ready to welcome back one of its key players, hoping his return will pave the way to a memorable 2024 season.
Only time will reveal how this chapter in the Bengals' and Higgins' story concludes, but for now, the stage is set for a season that could define the future for both sides.