Cincinnati Bengals star wide receiver Tee Higgins is expected to be one of the top NFL free agents to hit the open market next month.
Prior to an injury-plagued and down 2023 season, the former second-round pick from Clemson looked every bit the part of a No. 1 option. Unfortunately for Higgins, he exists on a team that includes a generational talent in that of Ja’Marr Chase.
It had led to previous speculation that Higgins would move on from the Bengals for a large pay day and an expanded role elsewhere.
While that might be the case down the road, it’s now looking a lot like Cincinnati won’t even give Higgins a chance to test the open market.
Related: Tee Higgins and the top 2024 NFL free agents
Cincinnati Bengals likely to place franchise tag on Tee Higgins
According to Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic, “the writing is on the wall and all expectations” are that Cincinnati will place the tag on the 25-year-old Higgins.
The franchise tag for wide receivers this offseason is an estimated $21.7 million. That’s a less than ideal scenario for Cincinnati. The Bengals do currently find themselves with $61.39 million in projected room under the 2024 NFL salary cap, making a Higgins tag that much more likely.
- Tee Higgins stats (2020-23): 257 receptions, 3,684 yards, 24 TD
From 2020-22, Higgins averaged 72 receptions for north of 1,000 yards with six touchdowns. He had a down 2023 campaign, hauling in 42 passes for 656 yards in 12 games.
The question here is whether Higgins’ production justifies nearly $22 million in 2024. Add in the fact that the two sides are unlikely to come to terms on a long-term contract, and kicking this situation down the road doesn’t make sense.
There is a chance that Cincinnati simply places the franchise tag on Higgins with the idea of trading him for a draft haul. With Chase now eligible for what would likely be a record-setting contract, that potential is real.