Tee Higgins to Play Under Franchise Tag After Unsuccessful Contract Negotiations
The Cincinnati Bengals star wide receiver, Tee Higgins, is set to play out the 2024 NFL season under the franchise tag. Despite concerted efforts from both parties, contract negotiations fell short of yielding a long-term extension by the Monday deadline.
The outcome means Higgins will earn a fully guaranteed $21.8 million this season, a figure that places him among the upper echelon of earners at his position. However, the short-term nature of the franchise tag doesn't provide the security of a long-term deal that athletes often covet.
Higgins has been a linchpin in the Bengals' offensive setup, and it was widely believed that he would remain a top target for quarterback Joe Burrow for years to come. But the current scenario casts uncertainty over his future with the team beyond 2024.
Adding another layer of complexity is Higgins' trade request back in March, a request that the Bengals chose not to entertain. The decision by the Bengals to retain Higgins despite his desire for a move could speak volumes about their valuation of him. It's also a declaration of their intent to have a strong season in 2024, even amidst turbulent negotiations.
As Higgins prepares to report for training camp on July 23 along with other veterans, all eyes will be on his performance and attitude. Star players under the franchise tag sometimes approach the season with a chip on their shoulder, eager to prove their worth and secure the contract they feel they deserve.
Meanwhile, the Bengals have made a significant financial commitment elsewhere, making Joe Burrow the highest-paid player in the NFL. The franchise quarterback signed a five-year, $275 million extension, ensuring that the Bengals will be built around his talents for the foreseeable future.
The question becomes: could Higgins find a new home that aligns with his aspirations? A potential trade to teams with ample cap space might be on the horizon. The New England Patriots, with $43.763 million in cap space, and the Washington Commanders, with $37 million available, are two potential suitors that could comfortably fit Higgins' contract onto their payroll.
In contrast, the New York Jets, while having only $6.254 million in cap space for the upcoming season, could still feasibly acquire Higgins by getting creative with their financial planning. As noted, "The New York Jets don't have a ton of cap space left to play with for this season, but they could get creative in their accounting for a Higgins extension by providing him with a massive signing bonus and backloading his contract to defer larger cap hits to future years."
Moreover, a move to the Jets could potentially cost less in terms of both draft capital and immediate salary cap impact than more high-profile trade targets like Davante Adams. "A trade and contract for Higgins will most certainly cost less than trading for Adams," one unnamed source suggests.
The Los Angeles Chargers, who have $20.656 million in current cap space and are projected to have nearly $43 million available in 2025, also exist in the realm of possibility. Upgrading their receiving corps with a talent like Higgins could be the type of strategic move that propels them into strong postseason contention.
The forthcoming months will be pivotal for Higgins and the Bengals. As Cincinnati plots its path forward with a focus on 2024 Super Bowl aspirations tethered to Burrow's arm, where Higgins fits in—whether on a new team or as a headline player donning the Bengals' stripes—remains to be seen.