What’s Next for Tee Higgins and the Cincinnati Bengals?
The Cincinnati Bengals have made a significant move to keep their star wide receiver, **Tee Higgins**, off the free-agent market in 2025. On Monday, Higgins confirmed that the team has decided to use the **franchise tag** on him for the second consecutive year. This decision ensures Higgins remains with the Bengals for at least one more season, but it also raises questions about his long-term future with the team.
Why Did the Bengals Use the Franchise Tag Again?
The Bengals’ decision to franchise tag Higgins comes as no surprise. Last offseason, Higgins was also tagged, but the two sides couldn’t agree on a long-term contract. This time around, the franchise tag will cost Cincinnati **$26.16 million**, a 20% increase from last year’s price tag. This amount is fully guaranteed if Higgins signs the tag and plays under it in 2025.
While the tag is often used as a temporary measure to buy more time for contract negotiations, Higgins and the Bengals failed to reach an agreement last summer. The two sides now have until **July 15** to work out a long-term deal. Higgins, a former second-round pick, has been a vital part of the Bengals’ offense, serving as a reliable complement to star receiver **Ja’Marr Chase**.
What Does This Mean for Higgins’ Future?
Higgins has been a consistent performer for the Bengals, topping **900 receiving yards** in four of his five NFL seasons. However, injuries have been a concern, as he missed five games in each of the past two years. Despite this, Higgins was expected to be the most sought-after receiver in the 2025 free-agent class, potentially commanding **$30 million or more annually** on the open market.
By using the franchise tag, the Bengals have ensured Higgins won’t hit free agency. The only way he could play elsewhere in 2025 is through a **tag-and-trade** scenario. Given the lack of high-impact receivers in next year’s free-agent class and a weaker draft pool, Higgins’ availability via trade could attract significant interest from other teams.
How Does This Impact the Bengals’ Salary Cap?
The Bengals entered Monday with approximately **$69 million in cap space**, but tagging Higgins will take up a sizable chunk of that. The team has already made several cost-cutting moves to free up cap space, and **Joe Burrow**, the team’s star quarterback, has expressed his willingness to restructure his contract to help the team retain key players like Higgins, Chase, and **Trey Hendrickson**, the 2024 sack leader.
What’s Next for the Bengals’ Receiving Corps?
Higgins’ tagging adds another layer to the Bengals’ 2025 offseason plans. Chase, who won the NFL’s **“Triple Crown”** (leading the league in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns) in 2024, is also in line for a massive contract extension. The Bengals have signaled their willingness to make Chase the **highest-paid non-quarterback** in the league, but negotiations have reportedly stalled.
The Bengals’ priority is clear: they want to keep their core intact. Burrow has publicly stated his desire to see Higgins, Chase, and Hendrickson remain with the team for years to come. While Higgins’ tagging ensures he’ll be back in 2025, the team’s ability to secure long-term deals for both him and Chase will be crucial for their future success.
How Does This Affect the 2025 Free-Agent Market?
With Higgins off the market, the 2025 free-agent class loses its top receiver. Players like **Deebo Samuel** and **Cooper Kupp** are expected to move teams, but they don’t match Higgins’ age (26) and upside. This shift could make the trade market more active as teams look to bolster their receiving corps without relying solely on the draft or free agency.
FAQs About Tee Higgins and the Franchise Tag
What is a franchise tag?
A franchise tag is a one-year contract offered to a team’s free agent to prevent them from hitting the open market. It guarantees a salary based on the average of the top players at that position.
Can Tee Higgins negotiate with other teams?
No. By applying the franchise tag, the Bengals retain exclusive negotiating rights with Higgins unless they agree to a trade.
How long can the Bengals keep Higgins on the franchise tag?
Teams can use the franchise tag on a player for three consecutive years, but the cost increases by 20% each time.
What’s the deadline for a long-term deal?
The Bengals and Higgins have until **July 15** to agree on a multi-year contract. If no deal is reached, Higgins will play the 2025 season under the tag.
Looking Ahead
The Bengals’ decision to franchise tag Tee Higgins ensures he’ll remain a key part of their offense in 2025. However, it also underscores the urgency for the team to resolve his long-term future. With both Higgins and Chase needing new deals, the Bengals face a critical offseason as they aim to build a championship-caliber roster around **Joe Burrow**.