The Cincinnati Bengals and wide receiver Tee Higgins find themselves at a critical juncture as the 2024 NFL season approaches. Despite their best efforts, the Bengals were unable to secure a long-term contract with Higgins before the NFL's July 15 deadline for franchise-tagged players to sign long-term deals. As a result, Higgins will play the upcoming season under the franchise tag.
Franchise Tag Fallout
Higgins, one of eight players in the league to receive a franchise tag this offseason, stands out as the only one who did not manage to ink a new contract. His one-year franchise tender, which was signed on June 15, 2024, guarantees him a significant payday of $21.816 million for the season. While this amount is nothing to scoff at, it falls short of the lucrative extension Higgins was hoping for.
During the contract negotiations, tension was palpable. Higgins even opted to skip the Bengals' mandatory minicamp in an attempt to pressure the team into securing his desired extension. Despite these efforts, no agreement was reached, leading to his status under the franchise tag. This situation mirrors past scenarios faced by Bengals players Jessie Bates III and Jonah Williams, both of whom played out their tagged seasons before exploring free agency opportunities.
Trade Request and Team Dynamics
In an interesting turn of events, Higgins requested a trade after being tagged in February 2024. However, the Bengals were adamant in their refusal to grant this request. The team's determination to retain Higgins speaks volumes about his value to the organization. Drafted by the Bengals in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Clemson, Higgins has been a key player for the team, recording at least five touchdowns in each of his seasons.
Higgins' performance on the field has been notable, with over 1,000 yards receiving in two of his four seasons with the Bengals. His most recent campaign, however, was marred by a hamstring injury that limited him to 12 games. Despite this setback, Higgins managed to accumulate 656 yards and five touchdowns on 42 receptions, proving his resilience and capability.
Looking Ahead to 2024
The Bengals are hopeful that this contractual impasse does not adversely affect team dynamics. Head coach Zac Taylor has expressed optimism regarding the situation. "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.
As the 2024 season looms, Higgins' presence on the field will be pivotal for the Bengals' offense. His chemistry with quarterback Joe Burrow has been a significant aspect of the team's success, and maintaining this connection will be crucial. The Bengals are keen on making a deep run in the playoffs, and Higgins' contributions could be a defining factor in their quest for success.
With the franchise tag season set to unfold, all eyes will be on how Higgins and the Bengals navigate this uncharted territory. Both parties have much to gain and potentially much to lose, making this storyline one of the more intriguing subplots of the upcoming NFL season.