REPORT: Cincinnati Bengals Plan To Use Franchise Tag On WR Tee Higgins

REPORT: Cincinnati Bengals Plan To Use Franchise Tag On WR Tee Higgins

**REPORT: Cincinnati Bengals Plan to Use Franchise Tag On WR Tee Higgins**

In a move that is set to have major implications for the Cincinnati Bengals’ 2025 roster, reports are indicating that the team plans to use the franchise tag on standout wide receiver Tee Higgins. The decision comes as the Bengals look to secure one of their key offensive weapons for at least another year while navigating the complexities of a high-profile offseason.

### Keeping Higgins in the Fold

Tee Higgins has become one of the most important pieces of the Bengals’ offense since joining the team in 2020. As a key target for quarterback Joe Burrow, Higgins has established himself as a reliable and dynamic receiver, pairing seamlessly with fellow star Ja’Marr Chase to form one of the league’s most dangerous receiving duos.

By placing the franchise tag on Higgins, the Bengals are signaling their intention to keep the 24-year-old receiver in the fold for the 2025 season, despite ongoing contract negotiations. The franchise tag, which would pay Higgins a one-year salary based on the average of the top five highest-paid players at his position, offers the Bengals an important opportunity to retain him for another year while they work out a long-term deal.

### Why the Franchise Tag?

The franchise tag is often used by teams when they want to keep a player but need more time to negotiate a long-term contract. For the Bengals, this decision comes after a successful season in which Higgins continued to prove his worth as a top-tier wide receiver. With other marquee players like Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase commanding significant attention in contract talks, using the franchise tag allows the team to maintain some flexibility while keeping a key offensive player under control.

Higgins, who posted over 1,000 receiving yards and six touchdowns in the 2024 season, is considered one of the most promising young wide receivers in the NFL. His ability to make contested catches and his deep-threat potential has made him an integral part of Cincinnati’s offense. The decision to use the franchise tag ensures that the Bengals will not risk losing him to another team, particularly as he enters the prime of his career.

### The Potential Impact on the Bengals’ Cap Space

While the franchise tag allows the Bengals to retain Higgins for another year, it comes with financial implications. The wide receiver franchise tag in 2025 is expected to be one of the highest at the position, which could put a strain on the team’s salary cap. The Bengals have several other important contracts to manage, including Joe Burrow’s impending contract extension, and the franchise tag could limit their flexibility in building out the roster.

In the coming months, the Bengals will need to carefully consider how they allocate resources to ensure they can compete for championships while maintaining a balanced roster. Keeping Higgins under contract is vital for the team’s future, but it may require some tough decisions when it comes to other areas of the roster.

### What’s Next for Tee Higgins?

For Higgins, the franchise tag means that he will remain with the Bengals for at least one more season, but without the long-term security that comes with a multi-year contract. Higgins has made it clear that he wants to be paid as one of the top wide receivers in the league, and while the franchise tag guarantees him a significant payday for 2025, his long-term future with the Bengals remains uncertain.

The tag also opens the door for further negotiations. Higgins will have the opportunity to prove his value once again in 2025, and if he continues his stellar play, it could increase his chances of securing a lucrative long-term deal — either with the Bengals or another team. His performance in the coming season will be pivotal, both for his career and for the Bengals’ plans moving forward.

### The Bengals’ Future with Tee Higgins

The Bengals have built a high-powered offense around their young core of players, with Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase leading the charge. Tee Higgins’ role in that equation is undeniable, and his chemistry with Burrow has been a key factor in the team’s offensive success. The franchise tag gives the Bengals a year to continue building on that success, but the long-term future of Higgins with the team remains uncertain.

If the Bengals are able to work out a long-term contract with Higgins, it would solidify their receiving corps as one of the most formidable in the NFL. However, the franchise tag also creates a sense of urgency, with both sides needing to come to an agreement before the 2025 season begins.

### Conclusion: A Critical Offseason for the Bengals

The decision to use the franchise tag on Tee Higgins is a significant move for the Cincinnati Bengals as they navigate a crucial offseason. While it allows the team to keep one of their most talented offensive players for another year, it also highlights the challenges the franchise faces in balancing salary cap space and retaining key talent.

For Higgins, the franchise tag is both an opportunity and a challenge, giving him the chance to prove his worth for another season while also positioning himself for a long-term deal in the near future. The coming months will be pivotal for both the Bengals and Higgins as they look to build on their recent success and continue their ascent as one of the NFL’s top teams.