Tee Higgins to Play 2024 Season Under Franchise Tag
With the NFL season approaching, Cincinnati Bengals fans received some mixed news regarding star wide receiver Tee Higgins. The talented wideout will be playing the 2024 NFL season under the franchise tag, a move that comes after contract negotiations with the Bengals failed to secure a long-term extension before Monday's deadline.
Higgins, a crucial part of the Bengals' offensive arsenal, will earn a fully guaranteed $21.8 million for the season. He is expected to report to training camp when veterans convene on July 23, signaling his commitment to the upcoming season despite the unresolved contract situation.
Earlier in the year, Higgins made headlines by requesting a trade from the Bengals in March. The request, however, did not lead to a departure from Cincinnati, as the Bengals chose to retain their standout receiver. This decision underscores Higgins' value to the team and the belief that he continues to be a top target for quarterback Joe Burrow.
"It was assumed he would be a top target of Burrow's for years to come," highlights the anticipation and expectations placed on the receiver-quarterback duo that has shown promising chemistry on the field.
Bengals Prioritize Burrow, Leaving Higgins in Limbo
The Bengals' decision to franchise tag Higgins comes on the heels of making Joe Burrow the highest-paid player in the NFL through a five-year, $275 million extension. This significant investment in Burrow demonstrates the franchise's commitment to securing their quarterback of the future, possibly at the expense of finalizing a long-term deal with Higgins.
The financial ramifications of Burrow's contract no doubt influenced the Bengals' ability to commit to another high-value extension. With the team’s cap space impacted by Burrow's deal, the franchise tag became a financial necessity to keep Higgins on the roster for at least another year.
Potential Suitors and Cap Space Dynamics
As the season progresses, discussions around potential trade scenarios for Higgins are bound to resurface, particularly given the cap space situations of various NFL teams. The New York Jets, for instance, currently have $6.254 million in cap space. While they don’t have a ton of cap space left to play with for this season, some creative accounting, like providing Higgins with a massive signing bonus and backloading his contract, could make an acquisition feasible. "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."
Other teams like the Washington Commanders and the New England Patriots, with $37 million and $43.763 million in cap space respectively, are in a stronger financial position to make a strategic move for Higgins. The Los Angeles Chargers, who have $20.656 million in cap space this season and are projected to have nearly $43 million in 2025, also present viable options for discussions around a potential trade and extension.
Speculations about the cost of acquiring Higgins are inevitable and varied. One comparison suggests that "a trade and contract for Higgins will most certainly cost less than trading for Adams," painting a picture of Higgins as an appealing asset who may be more budget-friendly for teams looking to bolster their receiving corps without breaking the bank.
Higgins' Future Remains Uncertain
While the immediate future sees Tee Higgins donning a Bengals uniform for the 2024 season, the path forward is fraught with uncertainty. His performance this year under the franchise tag will likely play a crucial role in shaping his market value and potential suitors in the next offseason. For now, Bengals fans and NFL enthusiasts alike will be watching closely, hoping that this period of uncertainty translates into memorable performances on the field.