In 2024, the Cincinnati Bengals wrapped up their season with a 9-8 record, which unfortunately wasn’t enough to secure a playoff spot. This marked their second consecutive year sitting out the postseason.
As the offseason unfolds, Cincinnati faces the critical task of re-signing several key players, including wide receiver Tee Higgins. NFL insiders have revealed that the Bengals have once again placed the franchise tag on Higgins, just like they did last year. There’s still some hope, though, as they have until July 15 to negotiate a long-term contract.
With this situation in mind, one question lingers: Can the Bengals lock in a long-term deal with Tee Higgins?
[Insert Twitter post: Bengals placed the $26.2 million franchise tag on WR Tee Higgins. This marks the second straight year that the Bengals have used their franchise tag on Higgins. pic.twitter.com/CBENnQe6FM — Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 3, 2025]
The recent season marked Tee Higgins’ fifth year with the Bengals. Throughout his career, he’s played in 70 games, starting in 62 of them. Injuries have posed a challenge for Higgins with Cincinnati, but in 2024, he managed to play 12 games, starting nine. By the end of the year, he amassed 73 catches for 911 yards and achieved a personal best with 10 touchdowns. His average of 75.9 yards per game was the second-highest in his career.
Last offseason, Higgins was tagged for $21.8 million for the 2024 season. This year, the Bengals have tagged him again, this time for $26.2 million, indicating their continuing efforts to secure a long-term agreement by mid-July. Higgins has consistently proven to be a game-changer when healthy and on the field during his tenure with the Bengals.
Together with Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins forms one of the NFL’s most formidable wide receiver duos. Part of why Cincinnati went with the franchise tag is likely due to Chase’s stellar performance in 2024, where he led the league in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns. Given Chase’s standout season, he’s poised for a hefty contract extension. Once Chase’s deal is finalized, the Bengals could turn their full attention to Higgins. Joe Burrow has clearly expressed his desire to have both receivers back in 2025, which could be a driving factor in Cincinnati’s off-season strategies.
