The Cincinnati Bengals have placed the franchise tag on wide receiver Tee Higgins for the second straight year ahead of the upcoming NFL season. This move secures Higgins’ place on the team as they prepare for free agency. Higgins, who has emerged as a key asset for the Bengals since being drafted in the second round in 2020, recorded 74 receptions for 1,029 yards and 8 touchdowns during the last season. Bengals general manager Duke Tobin remarked, “Tee has proven to be a vital part of our offense, and this move allows us to retain him while we continue to build a championship-caliber team.” The franchise tag will reportedly ensure that Higgins receives a one-year salary that is in line with the average of the top five receivers in the league, estimated to be around $18 million for the 2025 season. As the Bengals aim for Super Bowl contention, Higgins’ return is seen as crucial for quarterback Joe Burrow’s success. Although Higgins expressed a desire for a long-term deal, the franchise tag provides both the team and the player with flexibility as they navigate this important offseason. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this decision will impact Higgins’ performance and the Bengals’ strategy moving forward, especially with an eye on the high-stakes AFC North division.
Bengals Franchise Tag WR Tee Higgins for Second Consecutive Year
