Tee Higgins' Franchise Tag Journey with the Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals and wide receiver Tee Higgins find themselves at a critical juncture as the two sides failed to reach a long-term extension before the NFL's July 15 deadline for franchise-tagged players to sign extended deals. As a result, Higgins is set to compete in the 2024 season under the franchise tag, positioning this year as a defining moment for the talented receiver and the franchise.
Despite being the only player among eight franchise-tagged individuals this offseason not to secure a new contract, Higgins will still be handsomely compensated. By signing his one-year franchise tender on June 15, 2024, Higgins guaranteed himself $21.816 million for the upcoming season. This move came after another significant chapter in Higgins' offseason saga—his absence from the Bengals' mandatory minicamp while seeking a lucrative extension.
The franchise tag was applied to Higgins in late February 2024, setting off a chain of events that has left Bengals fans and NFL watchers alike keenly interested. One notable development was Higgins' request for a trade shortly after being tagged. The Bengals, however, stood firm, refusing to grant the trade request, thus solidifying their intentions to retain the star receiver for at least one more season.
In an industry where business decisions often overshadow personal convictions, Higgins' situation mirrors that of his predecessors, Jessie Bates III and Jonah Williams. Bates played out his tagged season before leaving the team in free agency, while Williams remained with the Bengals for his tagged year but kept his options open regarding future opportunities. How Higgins' narrative unfolds will be a storyline worth following as the season progresses.
Head coach Zac Taylor has sought to alleviate some of the tension, expressing his optimism and support for Higgins' role in the upcoming season. "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 stated.
On the field, Higgins has demonstrated his value consistently since being drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Clemson. Although injury limited him to 12 games last season, Higgins still managed to accumulate 656 yards and five touchdowns on 42 receptions. With his tall, rangy frame and reliable hands, Higgins has surpassed 1,000 yards receiving twice in his four seasons with the Bengals, each year posting at least five touchdowns. His performance underscores his significance to the team's offensive arsenal.
The 2024 season, however, poses new challenges. Higgins must prove that he can remain healthy and productive regardless of the off-field contract intricacies. His ability to stay focused on the game amidst these distractions will be pivotal not just for his future with the Bengals, but also for his standing in a highly competitive market for elite receivers.
The Bengals, meanwhile, must navigate the complexities of managing star players' contracts while aiming for success on the field. With Higgins temporarily secured under the franchise tag, the team gains fleeting security but faces looming decisions. The narrative serves as a microcosm of the balancing act inherent in building an NFL roster capable of sustained success.
As the preseason progresses, all eyes will be on how Higgins integrates into the team dynamic, both on and off the field. For now, though, one thing is clear: Tee Higgins and the Cincinnati Bengals will share the spotlight, their fates intertwined, each pushing towards a successful 2024 season under a cloud of what the future may hold. Only time will tell whether this period of contention leads to a permanent resolution or a final chapter in Higgins' tenure with the team.