The Cincinnati Bengals are utilizing the franchise tag for the second consecutive season on the same player as wide receiver Tee Higgins has been hit with the tag once again. The Bengals, who announced the move Monday, do not want to allow Higgins to hit free agency, and will now turn their attention to negotiating a long-term deal.
Cincinnati has until July 15 to reach a new multi-year deal with Higgins, or he will make a fully guaranteed $26.2 million in 2025. Since this is the second time Higgins has been tagged, he will make 120% of his 2024 salary, bringing it up to the $26.2 million. The franchise tag Cincinnati utilized was either the exclusive, or non-exclusive tag. Here’s a rundown on what those are:
Exclusive franchise tag: This tag guarantees the player a one-year salary equivalent to the average of the top-five salaries at the player’s position, or 120% of his previous salary, whichever is greater. It also prohibits any contract discussions between the tagged player and other NFL teams.
Non-exclusive franchise tag: This tag also guarantees the player a one-year salary equivalent to the average of the top-five salaries at the player’s position, or 120% of his previous salary. It does permit the tagged player to receive contract offers from other teams; however, the original team has the right to match any offer, and must receive two first-round draft picks from the acquiring team if the player departs.
The decision to tag Higgins also has an impact on the Bengals’ cap number. Cincinnati was projected to have $43,342,057 in available free agency funds, but $26.2 million is now automatically on the books for the Bengals.
Higgins reacted to the news on social media, simply posting the word, “tag.”
Higgins is the second player to be hit with the franchise tag this offseason, as the Kansas City Chiefs placed it on star offensive guard Trey Smith just last week. Another situation we are keeping an eye on is with Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa. Tuesday, March 4 is the deadline to place the franchise tag on players.
It’s disappointing déjà vu for Higgins. The star wideout wanted long-term security last year, and didn’t get it. Now, he has been tagged again. The Bengals are in a tough spot this offseason, as fellow wideout Ja’Marr Chase is due a record-breaking extension and the NFL’s reigning sack leader Trey Hendrickson wants more money or a trade. Chase is the priority this offseason, but the two sides remain far apart in contract talks, according to The Athletic. Still, Bengals de facto general manager Duke Tobin and head coach Zac Taylor have been consistent in saying they want to keep Higgins in the fold.