In a move that has rippled through the NFL, the Cincinnati Bengals have made a decisive move to secure their offensive firepower by franchising Tee Higgins. This decision not only impacts the Bengals’ strategy but also sends a clear message to WR-needy teams: Higgins is off the market. Here’s a closer look at what this means for the Bengals, Higgins, and the broader NFL scene.
The Cincinnati Bengals’ Offensive Cornerstone
The Cincinnati Bengals, a team renowned for their dynamic offense, have once again shown their commitment to maintaining their high-powered attack. With speculation swirling around the future of their star wide receiver tandem, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, the Bengals have taken a step to ensure the duo remains a threat to defenses league-wide.
Now it’s time to wheel and deal… We know he’s here. Both sides will continue to lay out their expectations in terms of tenure and compensation.
🤞🏻We can get it done 📑 ✍🏼
But for now, Tee Higgins is a Bengal 🐅 pic.twitter.com/UVWxJjn0QB
— Bengalorian (@thebengalorian) February 24, 2024
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Cincinnati has applied the franchise tag to Tee Higgins, guaranteeing him a salary of approximately $21.8 million for the 2024 season. Higgins, heralded as the “first tagged player of this window,” now stands as a testament to the Bengals’ strategic foresight. The decision, made ahead of the Mar. 5 deadline, offers Higgins until July to negotiate a long-term deal, underscoring the Bengals’ interest in his prolonged tenure.
A Relieved Cincinnati Bengals and a Disappointed Market
The Bengals’ early move to franchise Higgins has allowed the team to breathe a sigh of relief. Keeping Higgins ensures that Cincinnati retains one of the NFL’s most formidable wide receiver duos for at least another season.
Sports analysts and insiders, including Tony Pauline from SportsMed, have suggested that the Bengals aim to secure Higgins beyond the 2024 season, emphasizing the team’s long-term vision.
Higgins, entering his age-25 season, would have been a hot commodity in the free agency market. His impressive career average of 14.3 yards per reception marks him as one of the league’s premier deep threats. The Bengals’ decision to tag Higgins effectively removes one of the most sought-after players from the free agency pool, much to the chagrin of WR-needy teams across the league.
Tee Higgins: The Model of Consistency and Potential
Since being selected with the No. 33 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Tee Higgins has established himself as a cornerstone of the Bengals’ offense. His consistency is remarkable, with at least 65 receptions, 900 yards, and six touchdowns in each of his first three seasons. Although injuries hampered his 2023 campaign, the decision to franchise tag him reflects the Bengals’ confidence in his ability to bounce back and contribute significantly.
Conclusion: A Strategic Hold for Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals’ move to franchise tag Tee Higgins is a masterstroke in team management and strategic planning. It not only ensures the continuity of their offensive prowess but also signals to the league their intentions to remain competitive at the highest level. For Higgins, the franchise tag represents both a recognition of his talents and a challenge to reach an agreement that benefits all parties involved. As the 2024 season approaches, all eyes will be on Higgins and the Bengals, a team clearly determined to build on their success with their stars secured for the foreseeable future.
