Star wide receiver Tee Higgins will be playing the 2024 NFL season under the franchise tag, following unsuccessful contract negotiations with the Cincinnati Bengals that failed to secure a long-term extension by Monday's deadline. Despite the setbacks, Higgins is set to earn a fully guaranteed $21.8 million this season, a lucrative amount that underscores the team's recognition of his talents. Higgins has confirmed his attendance at training camp when veterans convene on July 23, maintaining his commitment to the team amid ongoing uncertainties.
Franchise Tag Fallout
Higgins' situation took a dramatic turn in March when he requested a trade—a request the Bengals did not meet. This added a layer of complexity to an already intense off-season marked by his contractual impasse. The franchise tag's application ensures Higgins remains with the Bengals for the 2024 season, but it leaves his future with the team beyond that in question.
Meanwhile, the Bengals have made their priorities clear by securing quarterback Joe Burrow to a historic five-year, $275 million extension, making him the highest-paid player in the NFL. This mammoth deal signifies the team's commitment to building around Burrow, but it also casts uncertainty over their ability to meet Higgins' long-term desires while managing the salary cap.
Potential Suitors and Cap Space Dynamics
The 2024 season now serves as a pivotal year for Higgins, not just for his performance on the field but also for potential future moves. Speculation is rife about where Higgins might land if he and the Bengals cannot come to an agreement, with several teams being potential suitors. The Jets, for example, have $6.254 million in cap space, which is relatively tight. However, as some analysts suggest, "The New York Jets don't have a ton of cap space left to play with for this season, but they could get creative in their accounting for a Higgins extension by providing him with a massive signing bonus and backloading his contract to defer larger cap hits to future years."
On the other hand, the Washington Commanders and the New England Patriots appear to have more financial flexibility, boasting $37 million and $43.763 million in cap space respectively. The Los Angeles Chargers, with $20.656 million in cap space for this season and a projected nearly $43 million in 2025, also emerge as a plausible destination for the star receiver. Any trade involving Higgins will certainly be less costly than acquiring other top-tier wide receivers, making him an attractive option for several franchises.
Looking Ahead
For now, Higgins' immediate focus will be on contributing to a Bengals team aiming for another deep playoff run. "It was assumed he would be a top target of Burrow's for years to come," and this season will prove critical in demonstrating his value within the Bengals' high-octane offense. How the team navigates this season's dynamics, both on the field and within its financial constraints, will shape not only the immediate campaign but also the long-term team structure.
So, while Higgins prepares for another season in Cincinnati, the underlying question remains: Will the franchise prioritize re-signing its star wideout next season, or will another NFL team seize the opportunity to bolster their ranks with one of the league's standout receivers? Time, performance, and strategic financial maneuvering will ultimately provide the answers.