Every player who received a franchise or transition tag this offseason, except one, agreed to a multi-year deal. The sole exception is Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins, who signed his one-year tender last month.
This decision allowed the team and Higgins to negotiate a long-term contract, but it was always unlikely that an agreement would be reached. With the July 15 deadline approaching for tagged players to sign a new contract, no last-minute developments are expected in Higgins’ case. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Higgins, 25, will play on the tag in 2024 without a long-term deal.
Since he has signed the tag, Higgins is required to attend training camp, unlike players who have refused to sign the tender even after the deadline for long-term deals. The Bengals’ future with Higgins has been uncertain, especially with Ja’Marr Chase needing a substantial extension as early as this offseason. Keeping both Higgins and Chase, along with quarterback Joe Burrow’s market-topping extension, would be a significant salary cap challenge. Cincinnati’s last attempt to extend Higgins was over a year ago, and their offers did not reach the $20 million AAV mark.
Many expect Higgins to use the 2024 season as a springboard to free agency next spring. Although Higgins requested a trade in March, the Bengals made it clear they would not consider moving him. Based on his comments earlier in the spring, it’s no surprise that the team and Higgins are now in a situation that will likely be a one-year rental. Cincinnati can apply a second franchise tag in 2025 if they choose.
Higgins will earn $21.82 million this year, and a second tag would cost just over $26 million in 2025. The receiver market saw another surge this offseason, with three players surpassing the $30 million-per-year mark. A Chase extension will likely be in that range, reducing the flexibility for a Higgins deal. Despite injury issues in 2023, Higgins produced at least 908 yards in each of his first three NFL seasons, proving to be an effective complement to Chase.
With Tyler Boyd absent in 2024, the Bengals will have a new third receiver. Regardless of who takes on that role, Higgins might see a slight increase in usage as he aims to impress potential future teams. A healthy Burrow will elevate the expectations for Cincinnati’s offense. While Higgins’ presence will benefit the passing game, signs continue to indicate that this season will likely be his last with the Bengals.
