Higgins Finally Signs Franchise Tag

One of the hottest names in trade discussions this offseason, Tee Higgins, has finally signed his franchise tag, placing him under contract with Cincinnati for the upcoming season. Higgins has been in contract discussions with Cincinnati for what feels like the past two seasons. The two sides have not yet been able to close on a long-term deal, but Higgins' willingness to play on the tag leaves hope that an agreement can still be reached. Higgins' talent is undeniable, and it's still fairly puzzling why this deal hasn’t been closed yet.

Overview:

Higgins has been a fantastic number two option for Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase. The trio has been a dramatic success, reaching the Super Bowl in 2021 against the LA Rams. Higgins' big frame and tremendous hands create a catch radius that is truly in the upper echelon of wide receivers. He has good game speed to go along with it, creating a real mismatch for teams that can’t afford to line up their best corner on him. Last season, Higgins registered 600 yards in 12 games, along with five touchdowns. While nagging injuries have plagued his career to this point, they haven't been serious enough to become a limiting factor. In his first three seasons, he went over 900 yards and 6 touchdowns, demonstrating a real strength of consistency for the Bengals. It remains to be seen why the two sides haven’t reached a long-term agreement or if they ever will. One thing is for sure: Cincinnati is glad to have him back on their quest for another Super Bowl trip.

Career stats:

• 3,684 receiving yards
• 24 touchdowns
• 257 catches
• 4 seasons played