Tee Higgins to Play 2024 Season on Franchise Tag, Bengals Look Ahead
Star wide receiver Tee Higgins is set to play out the 2024 NFL season under the franchise tag, as contract negotiations with the Cincinnati Bengals failed to yield a long-term extension before Monday's deadline. This development comes as little surprise given the recent trajectories of both player and team management.
Higgins will earn a fully guaranteed $21.8 million this season, marking a significant payday as he continues to prove his value on the field. The 25-year-old will report to training camp when veterans convene on July 23, as confirmed by NFL insider Ian Rapoport.
Drafted as the 33rd overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Higgins quickly established himself as one of Joe Burrow’s favorite targets. The synergy between the wide receiver and the Bengals' first overall pick, quarterback Burrow, was palpable from the start.
"It was assumed he would be a top target of Burrow's for years to come," reflecting the shared optimism many had regarding the duo's prospects. With 257 catches, 3,684 receiving yards, and 24 touchdowns over his first four seasons, Higgins has certainly lived up to the high expectations placed on him.
Contract Talks and Trade Requests
Despite his on-field success, the road to this year's arrangement hasn't been smooth. Higgins requested a trade in March, signaling potential discord between the player and the team's front office. The Bengals, however, did not acquiesce to his request, opting instead to retain his services under the franchise tag.
While Higgins' future beyond this season remains uncertain, Cincinnati appears committed to retaining its core talent. The Bengals have already made Burrow the highest-paid player in the NFL with a five-year, $275 million extension and are eyeing a top-dollar extension for another star receiver, Ja'Marr Chase.
Salary Cap Considerations and Alternatives
Teams around the league are keeping an eye on Higgins' situation, perhaps none more closely than the New York Jets. With only $6.254 million in cap space for the season, the Jets lack the immediate financial flexibility to easily secure Higgins. Nevertheless, creative financial maneuvers like offering a massive signing bonus and backloading the contract could make a deal feasible.
"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," suggested one insider perspective. The allure of pairing Higgins with now-Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, especially after both All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams and Rodgers have spoken about reuniting with their Green Bay Packers' connection, adds another layer of intrigue.
However, securing Higgins might be a more affordable alternative to acquiring Adams, who has three years left on a five-year, $140 million contract. "A trade and contract for Higgins will most certainly cost less than trading for Adams," noted another source, hinting at the potential value for money Higgins could represent.
Elsewhere in the League
Several other teams have taken steps to optimize their rosters and salary caps looking ahead. The Washington Commanders and New England Patriots, for example, have $37 million and $43.763 million in cap space, respectively. The Patriots, in particular, have assembled a blend of seasoned veterans and promising young talent in their wide receiver core, featuring Kendrick Bourne, K.J. Osborn, and rookies like Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker.
The Los Angeles Chargers, who witnessed the departure of longtime top receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams this offseason, now have Joshua Palmer, 2023 first-round pick Quentin Johnston, and 2024 second-round pick Ladd McConkey as their leading wideouts. With $20.656 million in cap space this season and a projected nearly $43 million in 2025, the Chargers are in a favorable position to make strategic acquisitions.
As the NFL season approaches, the narrative surrounding Tee Higgins and the Cincinnati Bengals will continue to evolve. Whether Higgins remains a Bengal beyond 2024 or finds a new home, his performance this season will play a critical role in shaping his future and the strategies of teams around the league.