The Cincinnati Bengals have made a significant move to secure one of their star players for the 2024 season. Wide receiver Tee Higgins will be given the franchise tag, according to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport. This decision comes as no surprise, as Higgins has proven himself to be a favorite target of quarterback Joe Burrow.
The franchise tag will come with a hefty price tag for the Bengals, with Higgins expected to receive around $21.8 million, fully guaranteed. However, this move ensures that the Bengals have the opportunity to negotiate a long-term deal with Higgins until mid-July. If no agreement is reached by then, Higgins will play on the one-year tender.
Despite battling through injuries throughout the 2023 season, including a fractured rib and hamstring and ankle injuries, Higgins remained a reliable option for the Bengals. In 11 games, he recorded 42 receptions for 656 receiving yards and five touchdowns. His ability to perform under challenging circumstances solidified his status as a dependable target for Burrow.
Higgins’ development over the past four seasons has been impressive. As a 2020 second-round pick, he has quickly become an integral part of the Bengals’ offense. Paired with three-time Pro Bowler Ja’Marr Chase, the duo has showcased the dangerous potential of Cincinnati’s offense when they are both on the field with Burrow.
Unfortunately, the 2023 season did not go as planned for the Bengals. After two consecutive playoff appearances, they finished fourth in their division with a 9-8 record. The team faced significant injuries to key contributors on offense, including Burrow, who was ruled out due to a torn ligament in his right wrist in November. Backup quarterback Jake Browning took over as the starter and led the team to a 4-3 record. During this time, Higgins had a standout performance, recording a season-high 140 receiving yards against the Steelers in Week 16.
Despite the challenges faced, Bengals director of player personnel, Duke Tobin, expressed his desire to retain Higgins at the end of January. With the franchise tag now in place, the team is one step closer to keeping their talented core intact for the upcoming season.
The next step for Higgins and Tobin is to negotiate a long-term deal that both parties can agree upon. This will be crucial in securing Higgins’ future with the Bengals and solidifying his role as a key player in their offense.
As the Bengals prepare for the 2024 season, the franchise tag on Tee Higgins ensures that they have a dynamic wide receiver to continue building their offense around. With Burrow back at full strength and a talented core of players, including Higgins and Chase, the Bengals have the potential to make a strong comeback and compete for a playoff spot once again.