Bengals to franchise tag Higgins
Trade rumors surrounded star WR before the designation
Bengals to franchise tag Higgins. Cincinnati has reportedly informed wide receiver Tee Higgins that they plan to franchise tag him, according to a source close to the matter. The franchise tag designation is expected to come at a value of $21.8 million, which is fully guaranteed for the 2024 season. Higgins is the first player to receive this designation.
Higgins has been an essential part of Cincinnati’s offense as the No. 2 wide receiver alongside Ja’Marr Chase. Over the past two seasons, he has exceeded 1,000 receiving yards and scored a total of 13 touchdowns. However, in the 2023 season, Higgins was limited to just 12 games and posted career lows in receptions (42) and receiving yards (656).
Bengals have informed WR Tee Higgins they are franchising him. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/YUl2Ni62SJ
— NFL (@NFL) February 24, 2024
The Bengals looking to secure the main pieces
The Bengals are making efforts to retain key members of their offense. Starting with quarterback Joe Burrow, who signed a five-year, $275-million extension last year. With Higgins slated for the franchise tag, the team will now have to address Chase’s long-term future as he is eligible for an extension this offseason.
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Higgins is coming off his worst year with the Bengals due to a hamstring injury. His best season was 74 receptions for 1,091 yards and 6 touchdowns in 2021. In 2022, Tee had his career-best 7 touchdowns, a year he also caught 74 passes.