As expected, Tee Higgins will not reach the market in 2025. The Bengals wideout announced on Monday he has been informed of the team’s decision to use the franchise tag on him for the second year in a row. 
After Higgins was tagged last offseason, he wound up being the only player who did not eventually work out a long-term pact with his team. That created the expectation of a free agent departure in 2025, where the 26-year-old would have been by far the most sought-after receiver on the market. For the past two weeks, though, signs have pointed to the tag being used once again to prevent that scenario.
When applied the second time around, franchise tags cost 20% more than the previous year’s price. As such, tagging Higgins in 2025 will cost the Bengals $26.16MM. That figure will immediately come onto the team’s books, and the former second-rounder will earn that amount (which is guaranteed in full) if he signs the tag and plays on it next season.
Of course, the tag can be (and often is) used strictly as a placeholder to ensure additional time to negotiate a long-term deal. That was the goal in this situation last time around, but team and player did not come particularly close to an agreement. The sides will have until July 15 to hammer out a contract and avoid another season with Higgins’ future in doubt.
Higgins has worked as a highly effective complement to Ja’Marr Chase, who himself was unable to work out a Bengals extension last summer. The latter is in line to become the league’s highest earner for non-quarterbacks, something the Bengals stated their willingness to authorize at the Combine. In spite of that, the team’s latest offer has reportedly left the sides far apart in contract talks. Chase – who won the NFL’s ‘Triple Crown’ in 2024 – represents an obvious priority on a monster deal but Cincinnati also aims to keep Higgins in place for years to come.
Quarterback Joe Burrow has gone public with his desire to see each of Chase, Higgins and 2024 sack leader Trey Hendrickson retained for 2025 and beyond. Burrow is prepared to restructure his deal to help free up cap space in the immediate future, although Cincinnati has made a number of cost-shedding moves recently as well. Prior to today’s news, the team had roughly $69MM in cap space, but a large portion of that will now be committed to Higgins.
The Clemson product has topped 900 receiving yards four times in his five-year career. Having missed five games in each of the past two campaigns, injuries represent a factor to be considered by the Bengals, but Higgins was connected to a annual average value of $30MM or more in the event he hit the open market. Several suitors (regardless of if the Patriots would have been one of them) were in line to make significant offers. Now, only a tag-and-trade would allow for Higgins to play elsewhere next year.
The 2025 free agent class is short on impact receivers near Higgins’ age, and this year’s draft is not viewed in the same light as previous ones with respect to first-round prospects. Those factors will make the trade market something to watch closely at the position as teams look to make at least modest additions to their pass-catching corps. Deebo Samuel is headed to Washington, but Cooper Kupp is among the veterans set to be on the move soon.
The Chiefs have used the franchise tag to keep guard Trey Smith off the market. He and Higgins were set to among the best free agents (regardless of position) available at the start of the new league year next week. Sam Darnold remains the top option, although the Vikings could keep their 2024 starting quarterback in place by using the tag. A decision on that front will need to be made by tomorrow afternoon. In any case, the most attractive option at the skill positions will not test free agency.
So, mcase7187 and TJECK109, do you understand how a franchise tag works now?
link to profootballrumors.com
Look at this guy taking names.
Always keep receipts
“PREPARED not if they wanted to tag him they would’ve done it already instead of waiting” – mcase7187
No chance he plays on it and wouldn’t blame him
Yea because 26mil is a real slap in the face. Get real
He will have to resort to coupon clipping
He would get at least 80 million on the market. It’s not about what’s a lot of money to you. One bad play and his future contract could be cut in half
He only has two choices now. Play for that measly sum of 26 million. Sarcasm there or sign long term with team. Best solution for both sides long term contract.
A trade will still come. Whether it’s before the draft or not, we’ll see.
Hes going to hold out and could hold out most of the season. $26mill is less than he’ll get on average on a new deal, probably by at least $6mill per. Hes not going to just go along with it.
Perhaps he could make up the $6MM difference by cutting the lawn and doing other odd jobs for Joe Burrow.
Have to assume he either gets extended or traded rather than playing out the tag. Burrow says he wants Higgins back. Tobin says he wants Higgins back. Higgins says he wants to be back. Ownership… is ownership. Especially now that Chase and Higgins have the same agent, this will be an interesting one.
He’ll get paid as a #1 somewhere else. The Bengals will always see him as a #2 thanks to Chase.
Will he play on this though?
Doubtful. They probably don’t want him to either.
So what happens next
Extension or trade.
He is not a number 1 we, but wants to be paid like one. I feel bad for the team that pays him.
He should be allowed to explore his market, that’s what dictates what he’s worth. He’s worth whatever someone is willing to give him. The franchise tag should be illegal. Legitimately unlawful. A contract is a contract. When it’s up it’s up.
Why should they get to keep stealing his prime years, making it impossible to lock up his long term future for his family? The players need to fight that next labor agreement.
Chicago or New England have the room to overpay (and would have to to attract good talent).