As the Cincinnati Bengals gear up for the 2024 season, the situation surrounding wide receiver Tee Higgins has become a significant point of discussion. Despite efforts to secure a long-term contract, Higgins and the Bengals could not reach an agreement before the NFL's July 15 deadline for franchise-tagged players to sign long-term deals. Consequently, Higgins will play the 2024 season under the franchise tag, earning $21.816 million for the year.
Franchise Tag and Higgins' Future
Notably, Higgins was the only player among the league's eight franchise-tagged individuals this offseason who did not manage to secure a new contract. After being tagged in late February 2024, Higgins signed his one-year franchise tender on June 15, guaranteeing him a substantial payday. However, his desire for a long-term, lucrative extension put him at odds with the team's management, leading him to skip the Bengals' mandatory minicamp.
The tension escalated further when Higgins requested a trade following the franchise tag. Nevertheless, the Bengals held firm and did not grant his request, emphasizing their commitment to keeping him on the roster for the upcoming season.
On-Field Performance and Injuries
Higgins' on-field performance has been a significant asset for the Bengals since he was drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Clemson. Over his four seasons with the team, he has surpassed 1,000 yards receiving twice, showcasing his ability to make impactful plays. In each of those seasons, Higgins has recorded at least five touchdowns, underscoring his consistency as a reliable target.
However, the most recent season saw Higgins' contributions limited by a hamstring injury, restricting him to just 12 games. Despite this setback, he managed to accumulate 656 yards and five touchdowns on 42 receptions, illustrating his resilience and determination to perform even under less-than-ideal circumstances.
Comparisons with Past Players
Higgins' current situation draws parallels with past Bengals players who experienced similar circumstances while under the franchise tag. Jessie Bates III and Jonah Williams both faced the uncertainty that comes with being tagged. Bates played out his tagged season before eventually leaving in free agency, while Williams chose to stay with the team through his tagged season before exploring other opportunities in free agency.
Locker Room Dynamics
Head coach Zac Taylor expressed optimism about Higgins' return to the team, highlighting the wide receiver's professional handling of the situation. "I'm excited to move forward with Tee. He's done a great job handling his situation, and we are happy to get him back in the fold so we can start working toward a great 2024 season. The locker room will be excited to have him back around," Taylor commented.
As the Bengals prepare for the upcoming season, the focus will undoubtedly be on how Higgins integrates back into the team's dynamics and contributes on the field. While the long-term future remains uncertain, his talent and past performance assure that he will be a key player in the Bengals' offensive strategy for 2024.
For Higgins, playing under the franchise tag presents both an opportunity and a challenge. It gives him a chance to prove his value once more, potentially setting the stage for future negotiations or opportunities elsewhere. With the season fast approaching, all eyes will be on how this chapter in Higgins' career unfolds.