Tee Higgins and the Cincinnati Bengals will be entering the 2024 NFL season with some unresolved questions looming over their heads. Despite significant efforts, the two sides failed to reach a long-term extension prior to the NFL's July 15 deadline for franchise-tagged players to sign such deals. As a result, Higgins will play the upcoming season under the franchise tag.
A Franchise Tag and A Lucrative Season Ahead
Higgins' decision to play under the franchise tag guarantees him a robust $21.816 million for the season, having signed his one-year franchise tender on June 15, 2024. He was the sole player out of the league's eight franchise-tagged individuals this offseason who did not secure a new contract, making this an intriguing storyline for the Bengals and their fanbase.
The Bengals placed the franchise tag on Higgins back in late February of this year. Since joining the team as a second-round draft pick in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Clemson, Higgins has demonstrated his value on the field consistently. With two seasons surpassing 1,000 yards receiving, Higgins has established himself as a crucial part of the Bengals' offensive strategy. Each season, he has also managed to register at least five touchdowns, underscoring his reliability as a playmaker.
An Injury-Hampered Season
The most recent season, however, saw Higgins limited to just 12 games due to a hamstring injury. Despite this setback, he still managed to accumulate 656 yards and five touchdowns on 42 receptions. His performance, although hindered by the injury, was a testament to his resilience and skill, making his quest for a contract extension even more pressing for the player.
Trade Request Denied
After being tagged in February, Higgins expressed his desire for a trade, a request that was ultimately denied by the Bengals. Historically, the team has had similar situations with key players like Jessie Bates III and Jonah Williams, who also faced franchise tag scenarios. Bates played out his tagged season before departing in free agency, whereas Williams stayed with the team for his tagged season and then explored free agency.
Team Dynamics and Locker Room Sentiment
Despite the contractual disagreements, the sentiment within the locker room remains optimistic. Head coach Zac Taylor commented, "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."
With Higgins on board for at least one more season, the focus for the Bengals will now shift to leveraging his talents to enhance their playoff prospects. Ensuring harmony within the team and effectively managing Higgins’ situation could be pivotal for their success in the highly competitive league.
The coming months will be crucial for both Tee Higgins and the Cincinnati Bengals as they navigate this season together. The events of the 2024 season will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the future of the star receiver's career, whether it remains intertwined with the Bengals or leads him elsewhere in the quest for long-term security.
All eyes will be on Higgins’ performance, health, and ultimately, his future negotiations with the team, as he aims to solidify his place not just on the Bengals’ roster, but as one of the league's top receiving talents.