Higgins to Play Under Franchise Tag as Long-Term Deal Eludes Bengals
Star wide receiver Tee Higgins will suit up for the Cincinnati Bengals under the franchise tag for the upcoming 2024 NFL season. Despite prolonged contract negotiations, both parties failed to hammer out a long-term extension before Monday's deadline, paving the way for Higgins to earn a fully guaranteed $21.8 million this season.
Higgins had previously requested a trade in March, a move that spoke volumes about his desire to explore opportunities outside Cincinnati. However, the Bengals did not acquiesce to his trade request, opting instead to keep their talented receiver in-house. The decision reflects Cincinnati's commitment to maintaining a strong offensive unit alongside quarterback Joe Burrow. It was widely assumed that Higgins would be a top target of Burrow's for years to come, but the current situation introduces an element of uncertainty into that equation.
Report to Training Camp
Despite the stalled negotiations and trade request, Higgins is expected to report to training camp alongside his veteran teammates on July 23. His presence will undoubtedly add firepower to a Bengals offense that already boasts some formidable talent. The backdrop of the franchise tag, however, will loom large as the season progresses, potentially overshadowing on-field performances with off-field speculation.
Meanwhile, the Bengals have made Burrow the highest-paid player in the NFL by granting him a five-year, $275 million extension. This significant financial commitment signifies the team's focus on establishing a long-term foundation with their marquee quarterback. However, it also limits the Bengals' immediate financial flexibility, complicating matters when it comes to securing other pivotal players like Higgins.
Market Constraints and Future Prospects
The financial landscape of the NFL plays a critical role in player transactions, and the cap space of various teams serves as a crucial factor in trade and contract negotiations. The New York Jets, for example, have only $6.254 million in cap space this season. While this doesn't offer much room for maneuverability, "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 end of the spectrum, the Washington Commanders and New England Patriots are sitting on $37 million and $43.763 million in cap space, respectively. These teams have the financial wherewithal to make serious plays for talent like Higgins, should the Bengals' stance on his trade request shift.
Trade Speculations
The Los Angeles Chargers have $20.656 million in cap space this season but are projected to have nearly $43 million in cap space in 2025. Their future flexibility makes them a potential landing spot for high-profile players. Given their current financial situation, the Chargers could feasibly make a bid for Higgins either this season or in the near future. After all, a trade and contract for Higgins will most certainly cost less than trading for Adams, making Higgins a more financially prudent option for teams looking to bolster their receiving corps.
The confluence of contract negotiations, team cap space, and the franchise tag has created a multifaceted scenario surrounding Tee Higgins. As training camp approaches and the season unfolds, all eyes will be on both Higgins and the Bengals to see how this high-stakes situation evolves. With Higgins poised to play a pivotal role for Cincinnati this season, the narrative remains fluid, filled with potential turns that could reshape both player and team futures.