CINCINNATI — The Bengals are gearing up to place the non-exclusive franchise tag on standout wide receiver Tee Higgins for the second consecutive season, according to insider sources.
The official window for tagging opens on Tuesday, February 18, and will run until Tuesday, March 4, with both dates marked on the calendars of fans and analysts alike. As the deadline approaches, Higgins’ camp is bracing for the tag, which, if he were to hit free agency, would make him arguably the top prospect available. However, all signs indicate that he won’t reach the open market—expect the Bengals to take action before the March 4 deadline.
What’s intriguing this year is the sense of urgency and purpose behind the Bengals’ decision to tag Higgins. Last season, while the franchise placed the tag on him, there wasn’t much traction when it came to negotiating a long-term deal. In fact, he was the only player tagged last year who didn’t secure a multi-year extension. This situation feels different, as reports suggest that the Bengals are actively working towards a long-term contract with Higgins.
A significant factor in this chess game is Higgins’ change of representation. In December, he switched from agent David Mulugheta to the dynamic duo of Rocky Arceneaux and Caitlin Aoki at Alliance Sports. This shift might be pivotal for Higgins’ future in Cincinnati, as the Bengals have demonstrated a renewed commitment to securing their key players.
Then there’s Joe Burrow, the franchise’s cornerstone quarterback, who has made it abundantly clear that he wants Higgins back in the mix long-term. Burrow stated in December, “Tee is a need, yes. Those discussions are ongoing, and I’m confident that I think we’re gonna be able to do what it takes to bring Tee back.” With Burrow leading the charge, the Bengals seem determined to retain Higgins, indicating that both player and team envision a future together.
In an ideal scenario, the Bengals would strike a deal with Higgins before going the tagging route. If they don’t reach an agreement in time, the non-exclusive franchise tag will come into play once again. This designation does open up a possibility for other teams to negotiate with Higgins, but it comes with a hefty price tag—two first-round picks would be the cost for any suitor if the Bengals chose not to match a contract offer.
If tagged, Higgins will earn approximately $26.18 million for the season, although there’s hope that a new contract could adjust those numbers. Both the Bengals and Higgins aim to navigate the complexities of the cap and reach a long-term agreement that secures his place in Cincinnati for the foreseeable future.
As the league watches this storyline unfold, fans and pundits alike are keeping a close eye on how it all shakes out. For a franchise like the Bengals, retaining key talent like Higgins could be the linchpin that enables continued growth and competitiveness in a loaded AFC.
Stay connected with the latest Bengals news, exclusive interviews, and more by subscribing to the team’s official channels. The anticipation surrounding Higgins’ future only adds to the excitement of the offseason, and as always, we’ll be here to break down every development along the way.
