Bengals Franchise Tag Tee Higgins for the Second Time

Tee Higgins has emerged as one of the most highly talked-about players entering this offseason, with numerous teams reportedly expressing interest in acquiring him had he become available on the free-agent market. However, much to the disappointment of these suitors, it appears that Higgins will remain in Cincinnati, as the Bengals have opted to franchise tag him for the second consecutive season.

Higgins shared the news of his franchise tag status on Monday through a brief yet impactful post on X, simply stating, "tag."

Following this tweet, the Bengals formally confirmed the transition, emphasizing their intention to negotiate a long-term deal with Higgins as they continue to build their roster for a competitive landscape. The franchise tender for Higgins is substantial, with the projected payout amounting to $26.2 million for the 2025 season, should the star wide receiver fail to finalize a long-term contract before the imminent July 15 deadline. As the clock ticks down, teams around the league have until Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET to place franchise tags on their respective pending free agents, creating a fervor of speculation and maneuvering as teams assess their options.

The Bengals organization has signaled a hopeful outlook, expressing confidence in their ability to strike deals this offseason not only with Higgins but also with fellow standout wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase and defensive end Trey Hendrickson. Both Chase and Hendrickson have one year remaining on their current contracts, adding a layer of urgency to the negotiations. During his annual media session at the NFL Scouting Combine, Bengals de facto general manager Duke Tobin articulated the franchise's aspirations, stating that they aim to make Chase—an All-Pro talent—the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league. This ambition not only highlights the Bengals' commitment to retaining their star players but also sets the stage for a potentially massive payday for each of their impending stars.