The Cincinnati Bengals are expected to use the franchise tag on wide receiver Tee Higgins for a second straight year if they fail to agree on a contract extension.
But that doesn’t necessarily mean Higgins will be playing for the Bengals in 2025.
The franchise tag is a placeholder that could be used for one of three reasons: the Bengals are looking to run it back after missing the playoffs in 2024, they want to buy time to hammer out a long-term extension or they’re considering trading Higgins and don’t want to risk losing him for nothing.
NBC Sports Boston’s Phil A. Perry broke down the current situation on Arbella Early Edition.
“Just talking to people around the league, and these are not people in Cincinnati. But the gist is I’ll believe it when I see it—Tee Higgins on the Bengals in 2025 and beyond,” said Perry. “Does that mean they just let him go to free agency and all of this talk about a franchise tag is bunk, or does it mean they franchise tag him and trade him?
“…You talk to football people. They look at that roster, and they say, ‘That’s a historic offense.’ …They didn’t make the postseason. It’s because they can’t stop a nosebleed. They’re scoring 30 [points] every week, but they’re giving up 34 [points].”
REPORT:
Per: @PhilAPerry
Tee Higgins to Cincinnati NOT SO FAST
“Here’s why I’m hearing on Tee Higgins. Just talking to people around the league, these are not people in Cincinnati, but the gist is, I’ll believe it when I see it.”
— Savage (@SavageSports_) February 22, 2025
The Patriots currently have two third-round draft picks, and they’re in a position to make Higgins one of the highest-paid receivers in the NFL.
On the other side, the Bengals would have to be willing to pay Higgins a massive contract extension, while also extending All-Pro wideout Ja’Marr Chase, who reportedly will be seeking a record-breaking $40 million per year on his next deal.
Combine those moves with quarterback Joe Burrow’s already lofty contract, and it could present a real challenge for the Bengals to keep everyone.