Cincinnati Bengals' star wide receiver Tee Higgins will play out the 2024 NFL season under the franchise tag, a decision resulting from failed contract negotiations for a long-term extension. The deadline for these negotiations passed on Monday, effectively ensuring Higgins will suit up for the Bengals under a guaranteed $21.8 million contract this season.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his long-term future with the franchise, Higgins is set to report to training camp on July 23, when veterans convene. This decision follows a turbulent offseason where Higgins requested a trade in March, a request the Bengals ultimately did not accommodate. The former second-round pick will now focus on making the most of his current situation in Cincinnati.
Bengals' Financial Commitment to Burrow
While negotiations with Higgins stalled, the Bengals secured their franchise quarterback, Joe Burrow, with an extensive five-year, $275 million extension, making him the highest-paid player in the NFL. The lucrative deal confirms the team's commitment to its offensive cornerstone, yet leaves less financial flexibility to accommodate other key players like Higgins.
Speculation on Higgins' Future
Entering the season under the franchise tag allows Higgins the opportunity to prove his value on the field, but it also opens the door to speculation about other teams eyeing his talents. With significant cap space, franchises such as the Washington Commanders and the New England Patriots could be potential suitors. The Commanders boast $37 million in cap space, while the Patriots lead with a hefty $43.763 million available.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Chargers also present an intriguing option. They have $20.656 million in cap space this season and are projected to nearly double that in 2025. With some strategic financial planning, they might position themselves as serious contenders for Higgins' services in the future.
As for the New York Jets, “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.” Their current cap space stands at $6.254 million, making this a less straightforward option.
Impact on the Field
Higgins' future isn't just a financial puzzle; it's a major consideration for the Bengals’ on-field performance. With his considerable talent and chemistry with Burrow, it was assumed he would be a top target of Burrow's for years to come. This scenario now sits in limbo as both parties navigate a complex season overshadowed by contract disputes and potential trades.
For teams considering acquiring Higgins, there is the additional calculus of evaluating cost against benefit. "A trade and contract for Higgins will most certainly cost less than trading for Adams," an unnamed source suggested, pointing to the economic advantage of pursuing the Bengals' star instead of other expensive wide receiver options.
The upcoming season promises to be a significant one for both the Bengals and Tee Higgins. While Cincinnati has firmly locked in Joe Burrow as their quarterback for the foreseeable future, the clock is ticking on whether they can retain another essential part of their offensive formula or if differences will ultimately see Higgins catching passes in a different jersey come 2025.