The Cincinnati Bengals have placed the franchise tag on wide receiver Tee Higgins for the second consecutive season.
Higgins, who was expected to receive the tag if a long-term deal couldn’t be reached before Tuesday’s deadline, confirmed the news a short time ago.
This year, the franchise tag carries a salary of $26.16 million, due to the 20 percent increase that comes with a second consecutive tag.
As of now, Kansas City Chiefs guard Trey Smith is the only other player to receive the franchise tag this offseason.
While the Bengals have expressed their desire to secure Higgins with a long-term contract, the wide receiver doesn’t seem entirely convinced that the team is putting in the necessary effort to get a deal done.
With Ja’Marr Chase and defensive end Trey Hendrickson also in line for contract extensions, it remains to be seen whether the Bengals can find a way to retain all their top talent.
Higgins had an impressive 2024 season, recording 73 receptions for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Of course, no player likes having the franchise tag placed on them – especially someone in the position of Higgins.
What are your thoughts on Cincinnati’s decision to tag him once again? … At the end of the day, will the two sides be able to work out a long-term deal???
