The Cincinnati Bengals and wide receiver Tee Higgins find themselves at a pivotal moment as they head into the 2024 NFL season. Failing to secure a long-term extension before the NFL's July 15 deadline, Higgins will play the upcoming season under the franchise tag, a situation rife with both opportunities and risks for the team and the player.
Higgins' new arrangement guarantees him a significant $21.816 million for the season, having signed his one-year franchise tender on June 15, 2024. This considerable sum underscores his value to the Bengals, but the lack of a long-term deal raises questions about his future with the team.
Extension Efforts Fall Short
Efforts to lock in Higgins with a more extensive deal were unsuccessful, making him the only player among the league's eight franchise-tagged individuals this offseason to not secure a new contract. The Bengals had placed the franchise tag on Higgins back in late February, a move that set off a chain of events including Higgins skipping the team's mandatory minicamp in his quest for a lucrative extension.
Having repeatedly surpassed 1,000 yards receiving twice in his first four seasons with the Bengals, Higgins has undeniably proven his on-field capabilities. Despite being limited to 12 games due to a hamstring injury last season, he still amassed 656 yards with five touchdowns on 42 receptions. This performance highlights his importance to the Bengals’ offensive arsenal, making the inability to finalize a long-term deal all the more striking.
The Trade Request
In the aftermath of being tagged, Higgins had requested a trade—a request the Bengals declined. This mirrors past situations within the team, where players like Jessie Bates III and Jonah Williams also found themselves franchise-tagged. Bates, for instance, played out his tagged season before ultimately departing in free agency. Williams stayed with the team through his tagged season and explored free agency opportunities afterward. Such precedents might shed light on Higgins' long-term prospects with the Bengals if history is any indicator.
Coach's Confidence
Despite the uncertainties, head coach Zac Taylor remains optimistic about Higgins' return to the squad. "I'm excited to move forward with Tee," Taylor said. "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."
Higgins' role within the team's dynamics cannot be understated. Drafted by the Bengals in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Clemson, he has consistently delivered, recording at least five touchdowns in each season. His absence, be it through injury or contract disputes, understandably creates a void that the Bengals are keen to fill as they aim for a successful campaign.
What's at Stake
As the 2024 season approaches, the focus will inevitably turn toward Higgins' performance and its implications for his future. Playing under the franchise tag, he has the opportunity to showcase his skills and potentially command an even more lucrative contract, whether with the Bengals or elsewhere.
The coming months will be telling. Whether the season will unfold as a stepping stone towards a long-term partnership with the Bengals or as a stage for showcasing Higgins to other potential suitors remains to be seen. For now, all eyes are set on what he will bring to the field under the lights of the 2024 NFL season.