The Cincinnati Bengals' star wide receiver Tee Higgins will play the 2024 NFL season under the franchise tag, as contract negotiations between Higgins and the team failed to result in a long-term deal before Monday's deadline. Higgins will earn a fully guaranteed $21.8 million this season, ensuring his presence on the field as a key offensive weapon for quarterback Joe Burrow.
Franchise Tag and Trade Request
Higgins' journey to this point has been tumultuous. In March, the wide receiver requested a trade, a move that pointed to his dissatisfaction with the ongoing contract situation. Despite this, the Bengals did not acquiesce to his trade request, opting instead to secure his services through the franchise tag. This decision underscores the team's recognition of Higgins' value, particularly as it comes on the back of making Joe Burrow the highest-paid player in the NFL with a five-year, $275 million extension.
Training Camp Report
Higgins is set to report to training camp with the veteran players on July 23. His presence is crucial for the Bengals as they prepare for a season filled with high expectations, especially with their recent financial commitments hinting at a win-now mentality. "It was assumed he would be a top target of Burrow's for years to come," a sentiment that aligns with the team's recent moves to ensure their quarterback has a robust supporting cast.
Cap Space and Potential Trade Options
The Bengals' decision to tag Higgins rather than trade him may be influenced by their cap space situation and the broader market dynamics. The New England Patriots, for instance, have $43.763 million in cap space, while the Washington Commanders have $37 million available. These figures dwarf the New York Jets' $6.254 million in cap space. However, the Jets might still find ways to pursue Higgins by getting creative in their financial maneuvers. "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." Such strategies could make a potential trade more attractive for all parties involved.
Other teams that might enter the Higgins sweepstakes include the Los Angeles Chargers, who currently have $20.656 million in cap space and are projected to have nearly $43 million in cap space in 2025. This future flexibility makes the Chargers a compelling candidate, although the team must weigh this against other roster needs and strategic priorities.
The Cost of Acquiring Higgins
The cost of acquiring Higgins could also be a crucial factor in potential trade discussions. Comparatively, trading for and extending Higgins seems like a more feasible and economical option than pursuing other elite receivers. "A trade and contract for Higgins will most certainly cost less than trading for Adams," reflecting the complex calculus teams must perform when considering such significant roster moves.
Implications for the Bengals
For Cincinnati, the decision to retain Higgins on the franchise tag allows them to keep a core offensive player while buying time to either negotiate a long-term extension or reconsider their options next year. Higgins’ alignment with Burrow could be decisive in what promises to be a competitive AFC North, as the Bengals look to build on their recent successes and aim for a deep playoff run.
As the season progresses and the trade deadline approaches, Higgins’ status will undoubtedly be a focal point of conversations around the league. Whether he ultimately remains in Cincinnati for the long term or finds a new home, his performance this season under the franchise tag will likely have a significant impact on his future and the Bengals' prospects.