Tee Higgins to Play Under Franchise Tag After Failed Contract Talks
Star wide receiver Tee Higgins is set to play out the 2024 NFL season under the franchise tag, having failed to secure a long-term extension with the Cincinnati Bengals by Monday's deadline. Higgins, who will earn a fully guaranteed $21.8 million this season, had previously requested a trade in March. However, the Bengals did not acquiesce to his request, thus keeping him in Cincinnati, at least for now.
It was assumed that Higgins would be a top target of quarterback Joe Burrow's for years to come, given their on-field synergy and the Bengals' recent commitment to making Burrow the highest-paid player in the NFL. Burrow's five-year, $275 million contract extension is emblematic of Cincinnati's efforts to build a Super Bowl-contending team around their star quarterback. The refusal to trade Higgins suggests the Bengals remain committed to this vision, despite the current impasse in contract negotiations.
Higgins will report to training camp when veterans convene on July 23, hopeful to continue being a key piece of the Bengals’ offense. While tensions may exist due to the failed negotiations and trade request, both sides will need to find a way to work together smoothly to keep their championship hopes alive.
The Wider Context of Cap Space
Higgins' situation in Cincinnati is part of a broader narrative about NFL teams and their cap space management. The New York Jets, who have just $6.254 million in cap space remaining this season, would struggle to accommodate a player like Higgins without some creative accounting. "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," suggests one perspective on how the Jets might navigate such a move.
Meanwhile, other teams with more financial flexibility might have a better shot at acquiring Higgins, should the opportunity arise again. The New England Patriots, for instance, have $43.763 million available in cap space, while the Washington Commanders have $37 million. The Los Angeles Chargers also present an interesting case, with $20.656 million in cap space this season and a projection of nearly $43 million in cap space by 2025.
Despite these potential suitors, the cost associated with trading for Higgins might be a deterrent for some teams. "A trade and contract for Higgins will most certainly cost less than trading for [Davante] Adams," another source speculates, hinting that teams might see value in pursuing Higgins even if a hefty price tag is attached.
The Future
As the 2024 season approaches, all eyes will be on how Higgins performs under the franchise tag and whether the Bengals can persuade him to stay in Cincinnati long-term. With training camp around the corner, the immediate focus will undoubtedly be on preparation and ensuring Higgins remains integrated into the team's plans. However, the unresolved contract situation and trade request linger in the background, posing questions about his future with the franchise.
For now, Higgins remains a Bengal, stepping into a high-stakes season where both his performance and the team's success could shape the next chapter of his career. How the Bengals manage this situation—and whether they can revisit and finalize a long-term deal—could significantly influence their offensive dynamics and overall team morale. Regardless, the upcoming season will be pivotal for Higgins and the Cincinnati Bengals as they navigate these contractual complexities while striving for on-field excellence.