It was hardly a shocker, but that doesn’t make it any less frustrating—Tee Higgins is staying put in Cincinnati, at least for now. On Monday afternoon, the NFL confirmed what many had expected for weeks: the Bengals have officially slapped the franchise tag on Higgins, keeping the dynamic wide receiver off the free-agent market for 2025. And for teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, who had their sights set on a potential blockbuster signing, this move stings.
Higgins was shaping up to be one of the most coveted wide receivers available next offseason, and the Steelers were one of the teams frequently linked to him. Fans in Pittsburgh had already started dreaming about the havoc he and George Pickens could wreak together on opposing secondaries. But now, that dream is on hold—if not completely out of the picture.
For Bengals fans, though, this move is a sigh of relief. Higgins has been an integral part of their offense, and despite missing five games last season, he still put up some stellar numbers: 911 receiving yards, a career-high 10 touchdowns, and 73 receptions. Not too shabby for a guy who didn’t even play a full season.
Cincinnati’s decision to tag Higgins makes sense when you consider the bigger picture. The team has some serious contract dilemmas on its plate, with key players like Ja'Marr Chase and Trey Hendrickson also in line for big paydays. The Bengals couldn’t afford to let Higgins walk just yet—not without figuring out how to keep their core intact.
The franchise tag buys them some time, but it doesn’t guarantee Higgins will be in Cincinnati long-term. If anything, this could just be a temporary measure while they explore trade options or work on a potential long-term deal. After all, the Bengals are well aware that keeping Higgins around beyond 2025 is going to be tough, especially with Chase also due for a massive contract extension.
For Pittsburgh, this means it’s back to the drawing board in their search for a dynamic WR to pair with Pickens. While the Steelers’ receiving corps is far from lacking, adding a player of Higgins’ caliber would have been a game-changer. The team will now have to explore other options, whether in free agency, trades, or the upcoming NFL Draft.
Of course, Steelers fans aren’t the only ones feeling the disappointment. Many around the league had been speculating about Higgins testing the open market, and his potential suitors were already lining up. But as it stands now, Cincinnati is making it clear they’re not ready to part ways just yet.
So, what’s next? The Bengals have until mid-July to negotiate a long-term deal with Higgins, but if no agreement is reached, he’ll play under the tag for 2024 before potentially hitting free agency again next year. Meanwhile, the Steelers and other WR-needy teams will need to adjust their strategies accordingly.
While Higgins may not be wearing black and gold anytime soon, the NFL offseason is always full of surprises. If there’s one thing fans know, it’s that things can change in an instant. For now, though, Cincinnati holds onto one of its key playmakers, while Pittsburgh and others are left wondering what could have been.
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