Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins is one of the hottest names being discussed in the NFL right now, and that buzz isn’t dying down anytime soon. As the league gears up for the crucial franchise tag window, all eyes are on how the Bengals will handle Higgins’ future. With free agency looming, this situation could take multiple twists and turns over the next few weeks.
Key Dates and the Franchise Tag Decision
The NFL franchise tag window officially opens at 4 p.m. EST on Tuesday, giving teams until March 4 at 4 p.m. EST to make their moves. If the Bengals decide to place the tag on Higgins, it doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll be suiting up for Cincinnati next season. Instead, it marks the beginning of what could be a complex negotiation process between Higgins and the team.
Given Higgins’ talent and impact on the offense, Cincinnati is expected to apply the franchise tag if they haven't reached an extension by the deadline. This move prevents Higgins from entering free agency when the new league year kicks off on March 12. If the Bengals were to let him hit the open market, he could sign with any team, leaving Cincinnati without potential draft compensation. However, if they tag him, a tag-and-trade scenario could be in play, allowing the Bengals to negotiate a return in draft picks or players.
What Bengals’ Director of Player Personnel Duke Tobin Had to Say
At the Senior Bowl, Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin fielded numerous questions regarding Higgins, fellow star wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase, and defensive end Trey Hendrickson. Tobin expressed the organization’s desire to retain Higgins while also acknowledging the challenge of balancing finances across multiple high-profile contracts.
“Let's find something that works for everybody, because he is a guy that we want to have here,” Tobin stated. “Hopefully that can come together, but we have other guys who are trying to take big bites of the apple in other areas, and we're going to have to balance those as we go forward.”
The Financials of Franchise Tagging Higgins
NFL rules allow a team to franchise tag a player up to three times. If the Bengals proceed with tagging Higgins this offseason, it would mark the second consecutive year they’ve done so. Last season, Higgins played under a franchise tag worth $21 million. This year, the number is projected to rise to approximately $25 million for wide receivers.
While placing the tag gives both sides more time to hammer out a long-term contract, it also provides Cincinnati with leverage should they decide to trade him. If a deal isn’t reached, Higgins could be moved to another team in exchange for valuable draft picks or players. However, using the tag repeatedly on a player becomes increasingly expensive—if the Bengals tag Higgins for a third time in 2026, they would owe him at least 120% of his previous year's salary.
The Bengals need to make a strategic decision. Keeping Higgins on a one-year deal without a long-term agreement might not be ideal for either party. Higgins may not want to play another season under the tag, and from a financial standpoint, continually paying top dollar for a short-term contract isn’t the most sustainable approach for the team.
Joe Burrow’s Take on Higgins’ Future
Quarterback Joe Burrow has been vocal about his support for keeping Higgins, Chase, and Hendrickson in Cincinnati. He emphasized their importance to the team’s offensive firepower and expressed hope that the front office would prioritize retaining them.
“When Tee is on the field, he's a game changer for us, not only for our team but for Ja’Marr,” Burrow said during Super Bowl week in New Orleans. “Teams can't just focus in on him and double him and cloud him. They have to worry about Tee Higgins on the other side of the field. We have the (cap) space that we need to keep both of those guys.”
The Big Picture: Can the Bengals Keep Their Core Together?
Balancing the financial needs of multiple star players is no easy task. The Bengals’ front office has made it clear they want to retain Higgins, but they also have to manage extensions for Chase and Burrow. As Tobin pointed out, it all comes down to negotiations and whether the players and their representatives are willing to agree on terms that work for everyone.
“It's going to be hard,” Tobin admitted. “We feel like we have the resources to do it, but it all depends on how the negotiation goes and whether they're willing to accept wanting to come back at a number that makes sense for everybody.”
Tobin reiterated that his desire to keep Higgins in Cincinnati has never wavered. However, the final decision hinges on how contract discussions unfold. The Bengals must determine whether they can afford to keep Higgins long-term or if now is the time to maximize his trade value.
Higgins’ Performance and Value
Since being drafted in 2020, Higgins has been a major asset for the Bengals' offense. Over five seasons, he has played in 70 games, racking up 330 receptions for 4,595 yards and 34 touchdowns. His combination of size, speed, and route-running ability makes him a valuable weapon for any team.
What’s Next?
The next few weeks will be crucial in determining Higgins' fate. The Bengals have multiple options on the table:
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Extend Higgins: Sign him to a long-term deal, keeping him alongside Burrow and Chase.
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Tag and Trade: Use the franchise tag and trade him for assets that can help the team.
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Play on the Tag: Keep him on a one-year deal, though this might not be the best financial move for either party.
No matter what happens, this storyline will continue to be one of the most closely followed in the NFL. Higgins' situation is a pivotal piece of the Bengals’ offseason plans, and how they handle it could shape the team’s future for years to come.
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