The offseason drama surrounding Tee Higgins and the Cincinnati Bengals reached its peak as the two parties failed to agree on a long-term extension before the NFL's July 15 deadline for franchise-tagged players. As a result, Higgins is now slated to play the 2024 season under the franchise tag, a situation that brings both financial guarantees and a host of uncertainties.
Having signed his one-year franchise tender on June 15, 2024, Higgins is guaranteed $21.816 million for the upcoming season. This substantial sum, however, masks the underlying tension between the player and the organization. Higgins had not attended the Bengals' mandatory minicamp while he was seeking a lucrative long-term deal, signaling his dissatisfaction with the franchise tag placed on him in February.
Tensions and Trade Requests
Higgins' discontent became even more evident when he requested a trade shortly after being tagged. The Bengals, however, did not grant his request, opting instead to retain the Pro Bowl-caliber receiver whose presence has been crucial to their offensive scheme. Head coach Zac Taylor expressed a positive outlook despite the rocky negotiations. "I'm excited to move forward with Tee,” Taylor asserted. “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."
A Proven Track Record
Drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Clemson, Higgins has been a reliable weapon for the Bengals. Over four seasons, he has surpassed 1,000 receiving yards twice and consistently posted at least five touchdowns each year. His productivity has been a bright spot even when contending with injuries, as evidenced by his most recent season. Limited to 12 games due to a hamstring issue, Higgins still managed to accumulate 656 yards and five touchdowns on 42 receptions.
Comparing Past Cases
Higgins' situation is not unprecedented in Cincinnati. Past players Jessie Bates III and Jonah Williams had similar experiences under the franchise tag. Bates played out his tagged season before ultimately leaving in free agency, while Williams stayed with the team through his tagged season before exploring free agency opportunities. This suggests a pattern within the Bengals' front office, indicating that while they are willing to utilize the franchise tag, they also tend to part ways with players once the tagged season concludes.
Looking Ahead
For now, Higgins will be donning the orange and black for at least another season, aiming to build on his already impressive career. The Bengals, coming off a disappointing conclusion to their previous season, will undoubtedly benefit from Higgins' on-field presence as they look to improve their offensive dynamics. The team, and particularly its fanbase, will be eager to see how this saga unfolds in the coming year.
As the Bengals convene for training camp and preseason preparations, all eyes will be on Higgins. His performance and attitude will be scrutinized, and the potential for a new contract will remain a topic of discussion. What remains clear is that Tee Higgins has the talent, the drive, and now the financial motivation to excel in the 2024 season.