Bengals Plan to Franchise Tag Tee Higgins Again, but Long-Term Deal in Sight
Big news coming out of Cincinnati—once again, the Bengals are set to place the non-exclusive franchise tag on wide receiver Tee Higgins for the second straight year. But this time, it feels different. Last season, Higgins played under the tag without much movement toward a long-term extension. Now, sources say the Bengals want to lock him in for the future .
Also Read:The official franchise tag window opens on February 18 and runs through March 4. If a long-term deal isn’t reached by then, the Bengals will apply the tag, ensuring Higgins stays put—at least for now. The non-exclusive tag allows other teams to negotiate with him, but any team that signs him away would have to hand over two first-round picks —a steep price that makes it unlikely. Under the tag, Higgins would earn $26.18 million in 2025 unless a multi-year deal is reached.
One of the key factors in keeping Higgins in Cincinnati? Joe Burrow. The Bengals' franchise quarterback has been vocal about wanting Higgins to stay, calling him a “ need ” for the team. Burrow, along with star wideout Ja’Marr Chase , sees Higgins as a critical piece of the offense. And it's clear Higgins wants to stay as well.
Another interesting twist—Higgins changed agents in December , now being represented by Rocky Arceneaux and Caitlin Aoki of Alliance Sports. This change could play a role in negotiations, as it signals a new approach toward securing his future in Cincinnati.
The Bengals haven’t always been aggressive in handing out big contracts, but their commitment to Burrow, Chase, and now Higgins suggests they’re serious about keeping their core intact. Ideally, they’d agree to a deal before the March 4 deadline, avoiding the franchise tag altogether. But if the tag is applied, expect talks to continue throughout the offseason.
So, Bengals fans, get ready— Tee Higgins isn’t going anywhere just yet , and if all goes according to plan, he might be in Cincinnati for years to come.
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