Bengals and Tee Higgins Fail to Reach Long-Term Deal
As the clock struck midnight on July 15, the Cincinnati Bengals and star wide receiver Tee Higgins found themselves in a familiar predicament: unable to finalize a long-term contract extension. Higgins, now set to play under the franchise tag for the 2024 season, will earn $21.816 million as he gears up for another year with the Bengals.
Despite the team's hopes and Higgins' own aspirations for a lucrative extension, negotiations fell flat before the NFL’s deadline for franchise-tagged players to secure new contracts. In this offseason, Higgins was the only player among the league's eight franchise-tagged athletes who did not ink a new deal.
The Friction and Franchise Tag
Higgins' journey leading up to this point has been fraught with tension. The Bengals placed the franchise tag on him in late February 2024, a move met with frustration from Higgins, who immediately requested a trade. The Bengals, however, were unwilling to part ways with a player of his caliber, especially considering his consistent performance since being drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Clemson.
Sticking to his guns, Higgins did not attend the team's mandatory minicamp as he held out for a more rewarding contract. Ultimately, he signed his one-year franchise tender on June 15, 2024, a decision that now binds him to Cincinnati for at least one more season.
Performance and Injury Struggles
Higgins has made a significant impact on the field in his four seasons with the Bengals, surpassing 1,000 yards receiving twice. However, the most recent season was a challenging one. Limited to 12 games due to a hamstring injury, Higgins managed 656 yards and five touchdowns on 42 receptions. These numbers, while commendable given his reduced playing time, fell short of his high standards.
Despite his contributions and clear potential, the 2024 season will be pivotal for Higgins. His performance will not just be crucial for the Bengals' success but also for his own future, whether with Cincinnati or elsewhere.
Past Precedents and Future Implications
Higgins’ situation echoes past experiences within the Bengals' camp. Jessie Bates III and Jonah Williams both navigated seasons under the franchise tag before seeking fresh opportunities in free agency. Bates chose to leave the team after playing out his tagged season, while Williams stayed and explored the free agency landscape subsequently. These precedents leave the door open for Higgins' future, whether it mirrors Bates' exit or Williams' continued association.
Locker Room Dynamics and Team Sentiment
Despite the business-like nature of these proceedings, the sentiment within the team remains positive. Head coach Zac Taylor expressed optimism about Higgins’ return, stating, "I'm excited to move forward with Tee. He's done a great job handling his situation, and we are happy to get him back in the fold so we can start working toward a great 2024 season. The locker room will be excited to have him back around."
As the Bengals prepare for the upcoming season, the presence of a player like Higgins cannot be understated. With a track record of at least five touchdowns in each season and the respect of his peers and coaches, his contribution extends beyond the stat sheet into the very fabric of the team's morale and competitive spirit.
Though the question of Higgins' long-term future with the Bengals remains unanswered, one thing is certain: for the 2024 season, he will once again don the Bengals' jersey, ready to make his mark on and off the field.