Tee Higgins to Play 2024 Season Under Franchise Tag Amid Contract Dispute
As the NFL's July 15 deadline for franchise-tagged players to secure long-term deals passed, Tee Higgins and the Cincinnati Bengals were unable to reach an agreement. This sets the stage for Higgins to play the 2024 season under the franchise tag, making him the only one among the league’s eight franchise-tagged players this offseason not to secure a new contract.
The situation surrounding Higgins has been a topic of intense discussion. The Bengals wide receiver signed his one-year franchise tender on June 15, 2024, guaranteeing him $21.816 million for the upcoming season. Despite this, there remains some uncertainty about his long-term future with the team.
A Rocky Offseason
Higgins, a second-round pick by the Bengals in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Clemson, has had an impressive career thus far. He has surpassed 1,000 yards receiving twice in his four seasons with the team and has consistently posted at least five touchdowns each season. However, the recent offseason has been turbulent for the young star. After being tagged in late February 2024, Higgins requested a trade, hoping to find an organization willing to offer him a lucrative extension. The Bengals, however, did not grant his request.
This wasn’t the first time the Cincinnati Bengals found themselves in such a situation. Jessie Bates III and Jonah Williams, both previously franchise-tagged by the team, experienced similar predicaments. Bates played out his tagged season before leaving in free agency, while Williams remained with the team for his tagged season and then explored free agency opportunities.
Injury Concerns and Absences
The 2023 season presented its own set of challenges for Higgins. Limited to just 12 games due to a hamstring injury, he still managed to accumulate 656 yards and five touchdowns on 42 receptions. His absence was notable, and it certainly impacted the Bengals' offensive capabilities. Furthermore, Higgins did not attend the Bengals' mandatory minicamp as contract negotiations loomed large over his participation. This decision underscored his pursuit of a more secure and long-term financial commitment from the franchise.
Leadership’s Perspective
Despite the contract impasse and trade request, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor maintained a positive outlook regarding Higgins' return for the 2024 season. He expressed his excitement about having the receiver back with the team, stating, "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's comments reflect the significant role Higgins plays both on the field and in the locker room. As one of the team’s key offensive assets, his presence is crucial for the Bengals’ aspirations in the competitive AFC North division. The team’s management and coaching staff are evidently eager to integrate Higgins back into the team's dynamics and capitalize on his talent in the upcoming season.
Looking Forward
As the 2024 season approaches, all eyes will be on Higgins to see how he handles playing under the franchise tag. The ongoing contract situation will undoubtedly remain a point of focus for both the player and the franchise. Nonetheless, the Bengals and their fans hope to witness Higgins' on-field performances, which have continually demonstrated his value and potential for contributing to the team's success.
In the broader scope, the Bengals’ approach to handling franchise-tagged players, including the cases of Bates, Williams, and now Higgins, could offer insights into their long-term strategies for player retention and contract management. For Higgins, this season represents an opportunity to showcase his skills once again and potentially secure the long-term deal he seeks, whether in Cincinnati or elsewhere.