Tee Higgins to Play 2024 Season Under Franchise Tag Amid Cincinnati Bengals Stalemate
In a significant development for the Cincinnati Bengals and their fan base, star wide receiver Tee Higgins will play the 2024 NFL season under the franchise tag. This comes after contract negotiations between Higgins and the Bengals failed to produce a long-term deal before Monday's deadline.
Higgins, an instrumental figure in the Bengals' offensive lineup, will earn a fully guaranteed $21.8 million this season. He is scheduled to report to training camp along with the other veterans on July 23, ensuring his presence for the forthcoming season. Despite his crucial role on the team, the franchise's top brass has not been able to secure him for the long haul, raising concerns about his future with the Bengals.
Reports indicate that Higgins expressed his desire to be traded back in March. However, the Bengals opted not to heed his request, setting up what could be a tension-filled season. This situation introduces an element of uncertainty in an environment where stability is often paramount to success.
Burrow's Big Deal
As the Bengals grapple with Higgins' contract complications, they have found clarity in another cornerstone of their roster. The team has made quarterback Joe Burrow the highest-paid player in the NFL with a five-year, $275 million extension. This massive financial commitment underscores Burrow’s perceived value to the Bengals' long-term plans, and it's clear the franchise sees him as their linchpin moving forward.
"It was assumed he would be a top target of Burrow's for years to come," an unnamed source commented, reflecting the widespread expectation that Higgins and Burrow would form a formidable duo for the foreseeable future. The failure to secure Higgins casts a shadow over these aspirations.
Cap Space and Potential Trade Destinations
The conversation around Higgins’ future doesn’t end with the Bengals. Several teams have shown interest in the star wide receiver, considering their cap space and needs. The New York Jets, for example, only have $6.254 million in cap space for the season. While this figure might seem restrictive, it doesn't rule them out entirely.
"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," noted a league analyst. Such financial maneuvers could make acquiring Higgins feasible for teams with tighter budgets.
Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders, with a more comfortable $37 million in cap space, and the New England Patriots, boasting $43.763 million, are in stronger positions to make moves. Additionally, the Los Angeles Chargers have $20.656 million in cap space for the current season and are projected to have nearly $43 million available by 2025. These figures suggest that any of these teams could be potential suitors for Higgins, should the Bengals decide to part ways with him.
A pundit weighed in on the trade dynamics, stating, "A trade and contract for Higgins will most certainly cost less than trading for Adams." This comparison highlights a potential bargain that teams might find enticing, given the market demands for top-tier wide receivers.
The Road Ahead
As the 2024 NFL season approaches, all eyes will be on how the situation between Tee Higgins and the Cincinnati Bengals unfolds. Will the star receiver find a new home, or will he and the Bengals find a way to bridge their differences? Regardless, Higgins' presence on the field is guaranteed for the season, ensuring the Bengals' offense will still have one of its crucial weapons in play. With the franchise’s commitment to Burrow secured, balancing their financial strategies and player relations will be critical in maintaining their upward trajectory in the league.