As expected, Tee Higgins will not reach the market in 2025. The Bengals wideout announced on Monday he has been informed of the team’s decision to use the franchise tag on him for the second year in a row. 
After Higgins was tagged last offseason, he wound up being the only player who did not eventually work out a long-term pact with his team. That created the expectation of a free agent departure in 2025, where the 26-year-old would have been by far the most sought-after receiver on the market. For the past two weeks, though, signs have pointed to the tag being used once again to prevent that scenario.
When applied the second time around, franchise tags cost 20% more than the previous year’s price. As such, tagging Higgins in 2025 will cost the Bengals $26.16MM. That figure will immediately come onto the team’s books, and the former second-rounder will earn that amount (which is guaranteed in full) if he signs the tag and plays on it next season.
Of course, the tag can be (and often is) used strictly as a placeholder to ensure additional time to negotiate a long-term deal. That was the goal in this situation last time around, but team and player did not come particularly close to an agreement. The sides will have until July 15 to hammer out a contract and avoid another season with Higgins’ future in doubt.
Higgins has worked as a highly effective complement to Ja’Marr Chase, who himself was unable to work out a Bengals extension last summer. The latter is in line to become the league’s highest earner for non-quarterbacks, something the Bengals stated their willingness to authorize at the Combine. In spite of that, the team’s latest offer has reportedly left the sides far apart in contract talks. Chase – who won the NFL’s ‘Triple Crown’ in 2024 – represents an obvious priority on a monster deal but Cincinnati also aims to keep Higgins in place for years to come.
Quarterback Joe Burrow has gone public with his desire to see each of Chase, Higgins and 2024 sack leader Trey Hendrickson retained for 2025 and beyond. Burrow is prepared to restructure his deal to help free up cap space in the immediate future, although Cincinnati has made a number of cost-shedding moves recently as well. Prior to today’s news, the team had roughly $69MM in cap space, but a large portion of that will now be committed to Higgins.
The Clemson product has topped 900 receiving yards four times in his five-year career. Having missed five games in each of the past two campaigns, injuries represent a factor to be considered by the Bengals, but Higgins was connected to a annual average value of $30MM or more in the event he hit the open market. Several suitors (regardless of if the Patriots would have been one of them) were in line to make significant offers. Now, only a tag-and-trade would allow for Higgins to play elsewhere next year.
The 2025 free agent class is short on impact receivers near Higgins’ age, and this year’s draft is not viewed in the same light as previous ones with respect to first-round prospects. Those factors will make the trade market something to watch closely at the position as teams look to make at least modest additions to their pass-catching corps. Deebo Samuel is headed to Washington, but Cooper Kupp is among the veterans set to be on the move soon.
The Chiefs have used the franchise tag to keep guard Trey Smith off the market. He and Higgins were set to among the best free agents (regardless of position) available at the start of the new league year next week. Sam Darnold remains the top option, although the Vikings could keep their 2024 starting quarterback in place by using the tag. A decision on that front will need to be made by tomorrow afternoon. In any case, the most attractive option at the skill positions will not test free agency.