The Cincinnati Bengals and wide receiver Tee Higgins are locked in a contract stalemate after the team placed the franchise tag on him. This move prevented Higgins from entering free agency and has led to significant tension. While Higgins has expressed his desire to play for the Bengals in 2024, he has yet to sign his franchise tender.
Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals, NFL
A Year Without Dialogue: The Growing Divide
A recent report indicates that the Bengals haven’t engaged in contract negotiations with Higgins for over a year. This lack of communication underscores the growing divide between the two sides and raises serious questions about Higgins’ future in Cincinnati. The stalemate has left fans and analysts speculating about the potential outcomes of this high-stakes standoff.
The Franchise Tag Dilemma: Playing for the Present, Uncertain Future
While Higgins is expected to eventually sign his franchise tender and play for the Bengals in 2024, the long-term outlook remains uncertain. The Bengals are unlikely to trade him, given their Super Bowl aspirations and Higgins’ crucial role in the offense. However, with quarterback Joe Burrow’s lucrative contract and Ja’Marr Chase’s impending extension, the Bengals face a difficult financial decision.
Prioritizing Chase: The Impending Financial Squeeze
The Bengals must prioritize paying Ja’Marr Chase, their number one receiver, leaving Higgins’ future with the team in doubt. It’s highly improbable that the Bengals can afford to pay top-tier salaries to two wide receivers, especially with Burrow’s significant contract already on the books. This financial reality suggests that Higgins may be playing his final season in Cincinnati.
History Repeats Itself: The Bengals and the Franchise Tag
The Bengals’ past history with the franchise tag doesn’t bode well for Higgins. Since 2013, the team has used the franchise tag three times, and none of those instances resulted in a long-term contract. This precedent suggests that Higgins’ chances of securing a long-term deal with the Bengals are slim, even after playing out the 2024 season under the franchise tag.
Higgins’ Future: A Lucrative Free Agency Awaits
Despite the current uncertainty, Higgins’ future remains bright. He’s a proven talent coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2021 and 2022. While injuries hampered his performance in 2023, he still managed 656 yards and five touchdowns. A strong 2024 season will position Higgins for a substantial payday in free agency, likely exceeding anything the Bengals can currently offer. The question remains: will he be showcasing that talent in a different uniform in 2025?
