Tee Higgins and Bengals Fail to Secure Long-Term Deal Ahead of 2024 Season
As the NFL's July 15 deadline for franchise-tagged players to finalize long-term deals came and went, the Cincinnati Bengals and wide receiver Tee Higgins find themselves in a precarious position. The 24-year-old standout will now play the 2024 season under the franchise tag, a move that both parties had hoped to avoid.
Higgins was the lone player among the eight franchise-tagged individuals this offseason who did not ink a new contract. His one-year franchise tender, which he signed on June 15, 2024, guarantees him a substantial $21.816 million for the upcoming season. Despite this generous sum, the contract situation highlights the growing tension between Higgins and the Bengals' front office.
Higgins had skipped the Bengals' mandatory minicamp while negotiating for a lucrative extension. The franchise tag was placed on him in late February 2024, signaling the team's intent to retain his services, at least for another year. However, shortly after being tagged, Higgins requested a trade, a request that the Bengals declined. The situation draws a parallel to other Bengals players, such as Jessie Bates III and Jonah Williams, who were also franchise-tagged in the past. Bates ultimately played out his tagged season before leaving in free agency, while Williams remained with the team before exploring free-agent opportunities.
Despite the strained negotiations, head coach Zac Taylor expressed optimism. "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.
Higgins' Impact and Injury History
Selected by the Bengals in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Clemson, Higgins has proven to be a critical asset to the team's offensive lineup. Over his four seasons with the Bengals, Higgins has exceeded 1,000 yards receiving twice, demonstrating his capability as a reliable target. Each season, he has also posted at least five touchdowns, underscoring his consistency in the red zone.
However, the most recent season raised concerns about his durability. Higgins was limited to just 12 games due to a hamstring injury, yet he still managed to accumulate 656 yards and five touchdowns on 42 receptions, showcasing his resilience and talent even when not at full health.
Uncertain Future
The uncertainty surrounding Higgins' long-term future with the Bengals remains a significant storyline. While playing under the franchise tag provides short-term financial security, it does little to cement Higgins' future with the team that drafted him. His trade request and the Bengals' refusal to grant it add an additional layer of complexity to an already intricate situation.
With the new season approaching, the Bengals and Tee Higgins must navigate this delicate dance of mutual dependence and unresolved contract talks. The budding star's performance in 2024 will undoubtedly be under scrutiny, as fans and analysts alike will wonder whether the Bengals can ultimately secure one of their key offensive weapons for the long haul or if Higgins will follow in Bates' footsteps, exploring greener pastures as a free agent.
As the narrative unfolds, Higgins' contributions on the field will be pivotal for a Bengals team with playoff ambitions. While coach Zac Taylor's remarks reflect a hopeful sentiment, only time will tell how this contractual saga will influence the locker room dynamics and the team's performance in the highly competitive AFC North.