Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins announced on Monday that the team is franchise tagging him for the 2025 season. That would mark the second consecutive year the standout receiver has received the franchise tag.
“Tag.” Higgins posted on X.
The Bengals are hopeful to strike a long-term deal with the 26-year-old wideout, but they might have to make him one of the league’s highest-paid receivers if they have any hopes of doing so.
That could prove problematic with Bengals All-Pro receiver Ja’Marr Chase also due for a contract extension. Chase is expected to reset the market as the highest-paid wide receiver in NFL history.
The New England Patriots were expected to be one of several teams looking to land Higgins in free agency. Cincy using the franchise tag complicates things, but it doesn’t completely eliminate the possibility of the Patriots making a move.
The only hang-up now is the fact that it would come at the expense of agreed upon draft compensation between the Patriots and Bengals. New England might not want to give up high draft compensation and a massive contract for Higgins.
Granted, things could change if Higgins threatens to hold out instead of playing on the $26.2 million franchise tag. The Patriots should do their due diligence on the Higgins situation, but they might be better off pivoting to other options to ensure they don’t come away from this offseason empty-handed.
