The Cincinnati Bengals have once more placed the franchise tag on wide receiver Tee Higgins, marking the second consecutive year the team has taken this step. This move comes ahead of the Tuesday deadline at 4 p.m. ET when teams must decide on placing franchise tags on pending free agents. The decision ensures Higgins remains a central figure in Cincinnati's offensive lineup for the 2025 season, during which he will earn $26.2 million under the franchise tender.
Higgins, 26, has been a pivotal player in transforming the Bengals from a struggling franchise into a formidable championship contender. Over his five seasons in the NFL, Higgins has consistently proven to be one of the league's most productive receivers. In the past two seasons, he played in 12 games each year, showcasing his skills despite battling injury issues. His performance in 2024 was particularly notable, as he caught 10 touchdowns, ranking him tied for sixth in the league.
In terms of career statistics, Higgins ranks 18th in total receiving yards and 14th in touchdowns. His average of 75.9 receiving yards per game places him 10th in this category, underscoring his consistent contribution to the Bengals' success. Despite his impressive on-field achievements, Higgins has faced challenges in securing a long-term contract extension with the team over the past few offseasons.
The decision to franchise tag Higgins again aligns with the Bengals' broader strategy to focus financial resources on other key players. Notably, the team aims to make All-Pro receiver Ja'Marr Chase the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league. The financial implications of this ambition have necessitated careful management of player contracts and salary cap considerations.
Higgins' commitment to the Bengals is evident not only through his performance but also through his recent strategic moves. At the end of the season, Higgins switched agents to better navigate negotiations with Cincinnati. His efforts have been supported by Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, who has repeatedly expressed his desire for the team to re-sign Higgins.
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