Tee Higgins Enters 2024 NFL Season Under Cincinnati Bengals’ Franchise Tag
In a development that many Cincinnati Bengals fans were both anticipating and dreading, star wide receiver Tee Higgins will play out the 2024 NFL season under the franchise tag. Despite intense negotiations, the Bengals and Higgins were unable to agree on a long-term extension before Monday’s deadline.
This move guarantees Higgins a significant payout, with a fully guaranteed salary of $21.8 million for the season. While the financial security for the upcoming year is certain, the long-term future for Higgins in Cincinnati remains up in the air.
The franchise tag decision follows a rocky offseason for Higgins. Back in March, he had requested a trade, a request that the Bengals ultimately denied. Cincinnati remains adamant on keeping Higgins as a critical part of their offensive arsenal, despite the wide receiver exploring his options. “It was assumed he would be a top target of Burrow's for years to come,” sources indicated, emphasizing the potential of the connection between Higgins and the team's quarterback, Joe Burrow.
Joe Burrow’s Record-Breaking Contract
Adding to the intrigue, the Bengals made headlines by making Joe Burrow the highest-paid player in the NFL, awarding him a five-year, $275 million extension. This substantial commitment underscores the franchise’s belief in Burrow as the cornerstone of its future success. However, this hefty contract also puts additional pressure on the Bengals' salary cap management, particularly in retaining other key players like Higgins.
Higgins is set to report to training camp alongside other veterans on July 23. His presence at camp will be crucial, providing continuity and stability for an offense looking to build on past successes and navigate the challenges ahead.
Potential Trade Suitors and Cap Space Dynamics
Should the Bengals decide to revisit trade discussions, several teams have the cap space to potentially accommodate both Higgins' franchise tag salary and a new contract. The New York Jets, with $6.254 million in cap space, could explore creative accounting strategies to fit Higgins into their roster. “The New York Jets don't have a ton of cap space left to play with for this season, but they could get creative in their accounting for a Higgins extension by providing him with a massive signing bonus and backloading his contract to defer larger cap hits to future years,” insiders suggested.
The Washington Commanders and the New England Patriots also remain viable candidates given their respective cap spaces of $37 million and $43.763 million. The Los Angeles Chargers, equipped with $20.656 million in cap space this season and a projected nearly $43 million in cap space in 2025, are another intriguing possibility. It’s posited that “a trade and contract for Higgins will most certainly cost less than trading for Adams,” making Higgins an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their receiving corps without breaking the bank.
The Road Ahead
The impending season under the franchise tag positions Higgins at a crossroads in his career. If he delivers an outstanding performance, his market value could soar, leading to more lucrative offers, whether from the Bengals or other franchises eager to secure his talents. For the Bengals, successfully navigating the intricacies of cap space management and player retention will be crucial to maintaining their competitive edge in the NFL.
As Higgins and the Bengals embark on the 2024 season, the unfolding dynamics will provide a fascinating storyline for fans and analysts alike. The decisions made now will have lasting implications, not just for Higgins and the Bengals, but for the broader landscape of the NFL.