CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bengals have once again secured star wide receiver, Tee Higgins, by placing the franchise tag on him for the second consecutive year, as they remain hopeful of finalizing a long-term contract. If no agreement is reached with the 26-year-old Higgins by July 15, his 2025 salary will be set at $26.2 million.
Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin emphasized at the recent NFL scouting combine that sealing a deal with Higgins is among the team’s top objectives. “Discussions about a long-term deal with Tee started three years ago, and we’re still aiming for that goal,” Tobin stated. “As long as I’m leading this team, securing Tee Higgins is my priority, and I’ll do everything in my power to make that happen.”
In response to the franchise tagging, Higgins simply posted “tag” on social media. He would have been one of the leading figures in free agency but has become the second player to be tagged, alongside Kansas City guard Trey Smith. The deadline for teams to apply franchise tags is at 4 p.m. EST on Tuesday.
Last season, Higgins was tied for sixth in the NFL, recording 10 touchdown catches, making 73 receptions for 911 yards, and maintaining an average of 12.5 yards per catch. His most impressive performance came against Denver on December 28, where he accumulated 11 receptions for 131 yards and three touchdowns, including a 3-yard overtime score that kept the Bengals’ playoff hopes alive. Despite securing victories in their final five games, the Bengals concluded with a 9-8 record, narrowly missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year.
Selected as a second-round draft pick in 2020, the same year Joe Burrow was picked first overall, Higgins has achieved at least 900 receiving yards in four out of five seasons, surpassing 1,000 yards in both 2021 and 2022.
Alongside Higgins, the Bengals are also aiming to negotiate extensions with two other crucial players this offseason. They aspire to make All-Pro wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league. Chase led the NFL with 127 receptions, 1,708 receiving yards, and 17 touchdown catches this season, becoming one of only six receivers in the Super Bowl era to win the receiving triple crown.
Additionally, All-Pro edge rusher Trey Hendrickson is approaching the final year of his contract, having led the league with 17.5 sacks last season. “We’re blessed with many outstanding players, and our cap has been well-managed to retain them,” Tobin remarked. “Our strategy is to have a high payroll and minimal dead money, ensuring our team receives optimal compensation. We’re committed to rewarding our players and enhancing our roster. It’s a formidable task, but one we’re prepared to tackle.”
