Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins is one of the best in the game.
His paring with Ja’Marr Chase is arguably the most lethal in all of football. You have to wonder what damage they could have done had quarterback Joe Burrow not gotten injured this season.
Regardless, Higgins is set to become a free agent next month. However, the Bengals could easily prevent that from happening by either signing him to a long-term deal or using the franchise tag on him (worth $20.7 million).
According to reports, the Bengals have already made up their mind. They are expected to use that dreaded franchise tag on Higgins to prevent him from hitting the open market.
𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧: The #Bengals are expected to use the franchise tag on Star WR Tee Higgins to prevent him from hitting free agency, per @TheAthletic pic.twitter.com/4clTMrWSnR
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) February 13, 2024
Higgins, who had been eyeing either a lucrative new deal with the Bengals or a promising offer from another team, will now (assumingly) be staying in Cincy on the pricy (yet ultra-short) tag.
Of course, the two sides will attempt to hammer out a long-term deal. After all, Higgins has been nothing but a loyal soldier and wants to stay with Burrow and Chase in Cincinnati (who could blame him?!)
“In my opinion Joe (Burrow) is one of the best QBs in the league and I don’t see anybody that is better than him if you ask me. “ – Tee on Joe Burrow https://t.co/GeIQF6fkpv
— Lindsay Patterson (@LndsPatterson) February 8, 2024
The franchise tag imposition grants the Bengals a temporary reprieve, extending the negotiation window until mid-July.
This tactic effectively halts Higgins’ free agency aspirations, obligating him to either accept the franchise tag or negotiate a long-term contract with the Bengals within the stipulated time frame.
Looks like Tee Higgins is coming back.
With a healthy Burrow in 2024, will Higgins finally hit his ceiling?
I think so…pic.twitter.com/06J7lXzPeF
— Snoog’s Dynasty Society (@FFSnoog) February 13, 2024
Injures affected Higgins’ 2023 season as he appeared in only 12 games where he put up modest numbers (for his standards), hauling in 42 receptions for 656 yards and 7 touchdowns.
His previous two seasons saw him surpass the coveted 1,000-yard mark and he proved to be a reliable (and very dangerous) weapon for Burrow and company.
Man I can’t believe that ball just teleported right to Tee Higgins. Tee Higgins must have super powers https://t.co/cg573Zvzon
— Sammy (@sammy______G) February 13, 2024
At only 25 years old, Higgins has yet to even reach his prime. It’s a safe bet to assume that he and the Bengals will ultimately be able to work out a long-term deal.
Having said that, anything can happen in the NFL.
If things do go sideways with Higgins and the Bengals for some reason, here are the top five most likely destinations where he’ll land…
-Tennessee Titans
Higgins has had a ton of success with (former) Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan, who is now the new head coach in Tennessee after replacing the highly-respected Mike Vrabel. DeAndre Hopkins is a great start, but new quarterback Will Levis is going to need all the weapons he can get. Higgins would help fit the bill.
Free agent WR Tee Higgins on potentially going to the #Titans 👀
“It would be good going home and playing with a coach that I’ve already been under.”
(h/t @SickPodTitans)pic.twitter.com/FO3tAvfHv0
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) February 8, 2024
-Jacksonville Jaguars
Much like the Los Angeles Chargers, the Jacksonville Jaguars are a team that should be much farther along than they are. Could reuniting Higgins with his old college quarterback, Trevor Lawrence, help spark the Jags?
Trevor Lawrence to Tee Higgins. A beautiful thing to watch. pic.twitter.com/9YzwhQT5xH
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) August 30, 2019
-New England Patriots
With head coach Bill Belichick long-gone, it’s a brand-new era in New England. The million-dollar question is what are they going to do with their quarterback situation? Regardless, Jerod Mayo and the Patriots need all the help they can get on offense.
-Washington Commanders
The Commanders will most likely have a brand-new quarterback next season. Whether that’s Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, Justin Fields or maybe a reunion with Kirk Cousins (?!?) remains to be seen. Dan Quinn and Washington’s new ownership want to shed the Dan Snyder stink that’s been hovering over the franchise for years. Higgins would help do that.
-Carolina Panthers
The Panthers are the worst team in the NFL. Having said that, they must find out for certain what they have in quarterback Bryce Young, especially since they gave up so much to get him. Higgins would be a great addition and an instant go-to target for the young (and overwhelmed) QB.
TEE HIGGINS NATIONNNNN https://t.co/nBtrHwkRt6 pic.twitter.com/MA2Jjn4Dnc
— avery (@JaMarrJungle) February 13, 2024
He most likely will stay in Cincinatti – but if not, where do you think would be the best spot for Higgins?
Do you consider him an elite receiver in the league?
Could the Bengals win a Super Bowl without him???