As the 2024 NFL season looms, Tee Higgins will be playing under the franchise tag, a resolution that underscores a complex off-season for both the star wide receiver and the Cincinnati Bengals. Despite significant efforts on both sides, a long-term extension did not materialize by the NFL’s July 15 deadline for franchise-tagged players.
Franchise Tag Drama
The Bengals designated Higgins with the franchise tag in late February 2024, valuing him at $21.816 million for the upcoming season. This decision indicated the team’s desire to retain Higgins, but also set the stage for a contentious negotiation period. The wide receiver, who had been seeking a lucrative extension, did not attend Cincinnati's mandatory minicamp, demonstrating his dissatisfaction with the tag’s limitations.
Complicating matters further, Higgins requested a trade following the franchise tag, a request the Bengals chose not to grant. The Bengals’ stance mirrored their past handling of players Jessie Bates III and Jonah Williams, who also experienced the franchise tag's constraints. Both Bates and Williams ultimately pursued free agency opportunities after playing out their tagged seasons, with Bates departing post-franchise tag tenure.
On-Field Performance and Injuries
Higgins’ on-field contributions have been solid, surpassing the 1,000-yard receiving mark twice in his four seasons with Cincinnati. Drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Clemson, Higgins has consistently delivered, posting at least five touchdowns each season. In the recent season, despite being limited to 12 games due to a hamstring injury, he still managed to accumulate 656 yards and five touchdowns on 42 receptions.
These figures reflect Higgins’ value to the Bengals' offensive unit, making the franchise tag a seemingly practical, albeit temporary, solution. However, the missed games and lower yardage tally due to the injury perhaps gave the Bengals pause in committing to a long-term, high-value contract immediately.
Responses and Future Outlook
Head coach Zac Taylor expressed optimism about Higgins’ return under the franchise tag. “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, indicating a positive outlook despite the unresolved contractual nuances.
Higgins’ scenario draws parallels to recent franchise tag situations in the NFL, highlighting the increasingly complex player-team dynamics regarding long-term contracts. For Cincinnati, retaining Higgins under the tag allows them another year to negotiate a deal while assessing his performance post-injury. For Higgins, it provides a lucrative, albeit short-term, compensation with the potential for re-negotiation or free agency ahead.
The 2024 season will serve as a critical juncture for both parties. Higgins, now guaranteed a substantial $21.816 million compensation, has the opportunity to reinforce his value on the field. For the Bengals, Higgins' performance and continued health will likely play a substantial role in their future contract strategies.
As the season progresses, the Bengals’ front office will undoubtedly keep a close eye on Higgins, mindful of their broader team-building and salary cap management goals. The outcome of this situation could well influence the team’s approach to future franchise tags and long-term player retention strategies.
In the meantime, both Higgins and the Bengals appear focused on the immediate goal – a successful 2024 season. With the franchise tag in place, Higgins has the chance to showcase his capabilities once again, laying the groundwork for future negotiations and potential long-term security, whether with Cincinnati or another NFL team.