Tee Higgins, the Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver, will be playing the 2024 NFL season under the franchise tag, after the team and Higgins failed to reach a long-term extension by the league's July 15 deadline for franchise-tagged players. This development places Higgins, a critical component of the Bengals' offensive unit, under a microscope as the team's negotiations and his subsequent performance on the field unfold.
A Season Under the Franchise Tag
The franchise tag situation for Higgins has been densely packed with significant events. Specifically, he signed his one-year franchise tender on June 15, 2024, guaranteeing him a robust $21.816 million for the upcoming season. Yet, this sizable paycheck is not accompanied by long-term security, a factor that undoubtedly contributed to Higgins' pursuit of a lucrative extension and his absence from the Bengals' mandatory minicamp.
Context and Comparisons
Interestingly, Higgins stands alone among the league's eight franchise-tagged players this offseason as the only one who did not secure a new contract. The Bengals placed the franchise tag on him in late February 2024, initiating a series of responses that included Higgins' request for a trade – a request that the Bengals did not accommodate. This scenario is reminiscent of past Bengals players Jessie Bates III and Jonah Williams, who also experienced the franchise tag without ensuing long-term deals. Bates ultimately left the team in free agency, while Williams played out his tagged season before exploring new opportunities on the open market.
Higgins' Performance and Value
Higgins' value to the Bengals is undisputed. Since being drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Clemson, he has consistently delivered strong performances. He has surpassed 1,000 yards receiving twice in his four seasons, a testament to his impact on the field. Even with a significant setback last season, where a hamstring injury limited him to 12 games, Higgins managed to record 656 yards and five touchdowns on 42 receptions. His consistent ability to post at least five touchdowns each season underscores his reliability and importance to the Bengals' offensive scheme.
Leadership and Team Dynamics
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor expressed optimism and support regarding Higgins’ return, despite the contractual impasse. "I'm excited to move forward with Tee. He's done a great job handling his situation, and we are happy to get him back in the fold so we can start working toward a great 2024 season. The locker room will be excited to have him back around," Taylor remarked. This sentiment reflects the high regard in which Higgins is held within the team's hierarchy and hints at a positive outlook for team dynamics as the season progresses.
The Road Ahead
As Higgins prepares to play the 2024 season under the franchise tag, his performance and his interactions with the Bengals organization will be under close scrutiny. For the Bengals, retaining a player of Higgins' caliber on a year-to-year basis brings both opportunities and challenges – opportunities to leverage his skills for immediate success, and challenges in maintaining long-term stability and satisfaction within the roster.
The decisions made and actions taken in the ensuing months will have lasting implications. Whether Higgins' situation parallels that of Bates or diverges towards a new contract or further negotiations remains a storyline worth following. As the 2024 season kicks off, all eyes will be on Higgins to see how this chapter in his career with the Bengals unfolds.