The Cincinnati Bengals placed the franchise tag on Wide Receiver Tee Higgins earlier today. The franchise tag will pay the wide receiver $26.2 million for the 2025-26 regular season. He is no stranger to the franchise tag as this second consecutive offseason where the Bengals have tagged the receiver.
He is coming off a strong regular season with 73 receptions, 911 receiving yards, and 10 receiving touchdowns. The 10 receiving touchdowns were the sixth-most during the regular season. Higgins has been clear that he is looking for a long-term contract extension this offseason. Today’s move could lead to a prolonged war of words between the franchise and its No. 2 receiver. How will this situation resolve itself?
What Is Next For Higgins?
Bengals placed the $26.2 million franchise tag on WR Tee Higgins. This is marks the second straight year that the Bengals have used their franchise tag on Higgins. pic.twitter.com/mL7LNivkpi
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 3, 2025
It remains unclear if the wide receiver will play on the franchise tag for the second consecutive season. He has insisted on a long-term extension this offseason. The star receiver has made comments this offseason that made it seem like he is not very happy with the Cincinnati Bengals.
The decision to franchise tag Higgins could lead to a few different results. The two sides could work this offseason on a long-term deal keeping him with the franchise for years to come. He could also be traded to a variety of teams this offseason. Higgins will have many suitors this offseason including the New England Patriots, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Buffalo Bills.
Final Thoughts
Higgins will presumably not be inclined to play for a second straight season on the franchise tag. Cincinnati has many important contract decisions, and this decision was the first domino to fall for the squad this offseason. Wide Receiver Ja’Marr Chase and Defensive End Trey Hendrickson are both in line for lucrative contracts this offseason. The NFL world will watch the saga between Higgins and the Bengals unfold this offseason.
