In a development that has left Cincinnati Bengals fans with mixed emotions, Tee Higgins will be playing the 2024 season under the franchise tag. The wide receiver and the Bengals were unable to secure a long-term extension before the NFL's July 15 deadline for franchise-tagged players. This offseason, Higgins stood out as the only player among the league's eight franchise-tagged individuals who did not land a new contract.
Higgins officially signed his one-year franchise tender on June 15, 2024, guaranteeing him a substantial $21.816 million for the season. However, this didn't come without some turbulence. The wide receiver skipped the Bengals' mandatory minicamp earlier in the year, aiming to push for a lucrative extension. His absence was notable, especially for a player who has been a pivotal part of the team's offensive unit since being drafted by the Bengals in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Clemson.
Contract Drama and a Trade Request
In late February 2024, the Bengals placed the franchise tag on Higgins, leading to immediate speculation about the wide receiver's future with the team. Compounding the tension, Higgins requested a trade shortly after being tagged. Such a request raised eyebrows but ultimately was denied by the Bengals' front office. For fans, it evoked memories of past players like Jessie Bates III and Jonah Williams, who found themselves in similar predicaments.
Jessie Bates III opted to play out his tagged season before exiting in free agency, while Jonah Williams stayed on and played his tagged season before exploring his own free agency opportunities. The organization's handling of tagged players has a checkered history, making the Higgins saga another storyline in the ongoing narrative.
Performance and Injuries
Over his four seasons with the Bengals, Higgins has delivered consistent performances. He has surpassed 1,000 yards receiving twice, demonstrating his value as a reliable target for quarterback Joe Burrow. Despite being hampered by a hamstring injury that limited him to 12 games last season, Higgins managed to accumulate 656 yards and five touchdowns on 42 receptions. His track record shows that when healthy, he is one of the most dynamic playmakers on the team.
Higgins' ability to reach the end zone is well-documented, having posted at least five touchdowns in each of his seasons with the Bengals. Even in an injury-shortened year, his contributions were noticeable and significant. This kind of consistent performance made it all the more perplexing for fans and analysts alike that a long-term deal could not be reached.
Looking Ahead to the 2024 Season
Head coach Zac Taylor expressed optimism about Higgins' return, despite the unresolved contract situation. "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," said Taylor. His words encapsulate the sentiment of hoping for reconciliation and focus as the new season looms.
The Bengals have no illusions about the immense talent and potential that Higgins brings to the table. With Joe Burrow entering another season as the team's franchise quarterback and a roster filled with ambitions for a deep playoff run, Higgins' presence will be indispensable. While the contract impasse is a temporary distraction, the ultimate goal remains success on the field.
For Higgins, the 2024 season represents both an opportunity and a proving ground. Playing under the franchise tag, he'd be looking to put up numbers that reaffirm his standing as one of the elite receivers in the NFL. Such performance would not only help the Bengals in their quest for success but also position Higgins favorably for future negotiations, whether with Cincinnati or another team.
As the Bengals prepare for what promises to be an exciting 2024 season, all eyes will be on Tee Higgins. His ability to create game-changing plays, coupled with a desire to secure his long-term future, adds an intriguing subplot to the team's campaign. In the high-stakes world of NFL football, stories like Higgins' remind us that off-the-field dynamics can often be as gripping as the on-field action.