Tee Higgins Set to Play Under Franchise Tag for 2024 NFL Season
Star wide receiver Tee Higgins will play out the 2024 NFL season under the franchise tag with the Cincinnati Bengals, after contract negotiations failed to secure a long-term extension by Monday's deadline. Higgins, who will earn a fully guaranteed $21.8 million for this season, is expected to report to training camp when veterans convene on July 23.
Higgins, a key offensive weapon for the Bengals, had requested a trade in March. The organization, however, chose not to relent to his request, a move that keeps one of Joe Burrow's favorite targets in Cincinnati for at least another year. The Bengals solidified their commitment to Burrow, recently signing him to a five-year, $275 million extension, making him the highest-paid player in the NFL. “It was assumed he would be a top target of Burrow's for years to come,” an unnamed source reflected, underscoring Higgins' perceived value in the Bengals' offensive scheme.
Though Higgins remains an integral part of the Bengals' plans for 2024, there is speculation around the league about his future beyond this season. Several teams are monitoring his situation closely, particularly given the Bengals' financial constraints after Burrow's mammoth extension. Among those potentially interested are the New York Jets, a team that could creatively maneuver their cap space to accommodate a player of Higgins' caliber.
The Jets, with only $6.254 million in cap space for the season, would need to get innovative with their financial structuring to make a play for Higgins. "The New York Jets don't have a ton of cap space left to play with for this season," a source noted, "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."
Other teams with more cap flexibility might also be in the mix. The Washington Commanders have $37 million in cap space, while the New England Patriots are even more flush with $43.763 million. The Los Angeles Chargers, with $20.656 million available this season and a projected $43 million in 2025, also present a viable landing spot for Higgins. The financial maneuvering capability of teams like the Patriots and Chargers could make them serious contenders should Higgins become available.
While a trade and subsequent contract for Higgins might be complex, it is expected to cost less than some other high-profile options on the market. "A trade and contract for Higgins will most certainly cost less than trading for Adams," a league insider suggested, implying that Higgins' potential acquisition could be a more feasible strategy for teams seeking top-tier receiving talent without exceeding budgetary constraints.
For now, Higgins remains with the Bengals, set for another season under the franchise tag. His participation will be critical for Cincinnati as they aim to capitalize on their investment in Burrow and make a deep postseason run. The receiver's performance this year will likely play a significant role in determining his next move, whether it remains in Cincinnati or elsewhere in the NFL.