When it comes to the ongoing contract drama between star wide receiver Tee Higgins and the Cincinnati Bengals, just about everyone has been keeping a close eye on the situation—including big-name experts like ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
During an appearance on Pat McAfee’s show at the scouting combine, Schefter shared his thoughts on how things might play out. And according to him, the Bengals slapping a second franchise tag on Higgins might just be their best move.
“Right now, the Bengals have their stance and Tee Higgins has got his,” Schefter explained. “If we take out what everyone thinks, it’s probably good business from the Bengals' standpoint to tag the guy. To control his rights.”
It’s a straightforward approach from a business perspective. The Bengals have a significant amount of cap space, so using a second franchise tag would allow them to retain Higgins for another season—keeping him locked in at an increased $26 million. But there’s a major caveat. If Higgins were to hit free agency, there’s a good chance he could secure a contract worth $30 million or more per year, thanks to potential bidding wars among teams eager to add a top-tier wide receiver to their roster.
The Public Perception Problem
While this move makes plenty of sense financially, it could easily backfire in the court of public opinion. Fans and analysts alike might not take too kindly to the Bengals keeping Higgins under a second consecutive tag, especially when a long-term deal seems like the preferred resolution for many.
From a strategic standpoint, the franchise tag isn't just a way to keep Higgins on the team—it’s also a tool that can be leveraged to extend contract negotiations. Sure, it runs the risk of creating friction between Higgins and the organization, possibly leading to a holdout. But at the same time, it buys the Bengals more time to work out a multi-year deal if they decide they want to commit to him long-term.
The Clock is Ticking
The Bengals have a limited window to make their decision. The deadline to apply a second franchise tag on Higgins is in early March, and as that date creeps closer, the speculation is only going to ramp up.
For Cincinnati, this is all about maximizing their leverage and keeping their championship window open. They know they have a talented core, and ensuring Higgins remains part of the equation—at least for another season—could be crucial to their success.
The big question now is whether Higgins and his camp will be on board with another tag or if tensions will rise. And with free agency looming, it’s only a matter of time before we find out how this contract saga unfolds.
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