Bengals Expected to Franchise Tag Tee Higgins Again, Aiming for Long-Term Deal

According to SI.com, the Cincinnati Bengals are expected to place the franchise tag on Tee Higgins for the second consecutive season. However, this move does not indicate that the Bengals want to part ways with Higgins. Instead, they are aiming for a long-term contract with the star wide receiver.

Bengals Want to Retain Tee Higgins Despite Using the Franchise Tag

Reports state that Bengals plan to use the non-exclusive franchise tag, meaning that if another team signs Tee Higgins, Cincinnati will receive two first-round draft picks as compensation.

Tee Higgins is projected to be one of the most valuable free agents on the market, but this decision makes it clear that the Bengals still see him as a crucial part of their offensive lineup.

Joe Burrow and Teammates Hope Higgins Stays

Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has voiced his support for keeping Tee Higgins on the team. “You don’t want to make a habit of letting great players leave the building. Tee Higgins is a hard worker and does everything the right way,” Burrow stated after the 2024 NFL season.

Similarly, Ja’Marr Chase, Higgins’ receiving partner, also expressed his desire for him to stay with the team.

Tee Higgins’ Impressive Stats and Franchise Tag Value for 2025

During the 2024 season, Tee Higgins delivered an outstanding performance with 73 receptions, 911 receiving yards, and 10 touchdowns from passes thrown by Joe Burrow—the NFL’s leading passer in 2024. Over his five seasons with Cincinnati, Higgins has amassed 4,595 receiving yards, 34 touchdowns, and 330 receptions.

If he plays under the franchise tag in 2025, Tee Higgins will earn $26.18 million, an amount based on the average salary of the league’s top five wide receivers from the previous season.