It’s a scenario that Cincinnati Bengals’ star receiver Tee Higgins knows all too well as he embarks on a pivotal 2024 season, one that sees him playing under a franchise tag with a hefty salary of $21.8 million. This situation places him at a critical juncture in his career, where the next moves he makes could very well define his trajectory in the league.
Advice from a Former Teammate to Tee Higgins
Jessie Bates III, a former teammate who has also felt the pressures of the franchise tag, shared some sage advice with Higgins. Bates’ own experiences in 2022 left a mark on him, influencing both his performance and his personal life.
I’ve been through that process through the franchise tag, and I let it weigh on me a little bit more than I should have,” Bates disclosed in an interview with ESPN. He further advised Higgins to focus solely on his craft: “It doesn’t matter if this is the contract year.
You should go out there and ball out and train like this is one of your last years to play. This counsel is not just about sportsmanship but also about maintaining mental and emotional resilience in the face of contractual uncertainty.
Bates, who eventually left the Bengals to sign a lucrative four-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons worth $64 million, emphasizes the importance of not letting the business side of football overshadow the passion and dedication required on the field.
Tee Higgins’ Uncertain Future and Contract Aspirations
Tee Higgins’ situation mirrors that of many athletes who find themselves tagged: immense talent tethered temporarily with financial incentives yet lacking long-term security. Higgins has until July 15 to secure a long-term agreement with the Bengals, failing which he will play under the agreed one-year tag value.
The tension builds as Higgins has voiced his desire for a payout commensurate with top-tier receivers, akin to the three-year, $70 million contract Michael Pittman Jr. secured with the Colts. Despite the ongoing negotiations and the palpable uncertainty, Higgins’ skills on the field remain indisputable.
With two consecutive seasons (2021 and 2022) of amassing over 74 catches and 1,000 yards each, his capability is clear. However, the last season saw a dip in his performance, with only 42 receptions across 12 games, largely due to injuries.
Psychological Impact of the Franchise Tag
The franchise tag, while financially rewarding, often brings with it a unique set of challenges. Players may feel undervalued or trapped, leading to stress and distraction. Higgins’ scenario is a textbook example of the psychological tug-of-war that players often face.
Bates’ advice to Higgins to focus on his performance and treat every season like a contract year is particularly poignant here, highlighting the need for athletes to remain focused amid the chaos of negotiations.
What’s Next for Tee Higgins?
As the deadline approaches, the sports world watches closely to see if Higgins will clinch the long-term deal he seeks or if he’ll play under the looming shadow of the franchise tag. Bates’ optimistic outlook, however, resonates strongly: “He’ll be fine. He’ll get his payday.”
For Higgins, the 2024 season is more than just about the numbers on his paycheck; it’s about proving his worth not just to the Bengals but to the entire league. It’s a narrative familiar to many in the NFL, where the intersection of talent, business, and personal resolve often dictates not just careers but legacies.
As Bates and many before him have learned, in the high-stakes game of professional football, every play counts, and so does every decision off the field.
