Tee Higgins to Play 2024 Season Under Franchise Tag
Star wide receiver Tee Higgins is poised to play the 2024 NFL season under the franchise tag, ensuring his presence in Cincinnati for at least one more year. Despite extensive contract negotiations, the Cincinnati Bengals and Higgins were unable to reach a long-term extension before the Monday deadline, leaving Higgins with a fully guaranteed $21.8 million for this season.
Challenges in Negotiation
Higgins, a vital component of the Bengals' offense, had requested a trade back in March, but the Bengals front office opted not to meet his request. This decision underscores the importance of Higgins to the team's success, particularly as he has been a preferred target for quarterback Joe Burrow. "It was assumed he would be a top target of Burrow's for years to come," sources have noted, reflecting the high expectations placed on this duo's continued collaboration on the field.
As veterans prepare to report for training camp on July 23, Higgins will be among them, signaling his commitment to the upcoming season despite the unresolved contract situation. His presence at training camp is a positive sign for Bengals fans, who have been eager to see their team's key players locked in for the future.
Financial Constraints and Team Cap Space
The Bengals have recently made a significant financial commitment to Joe Burrow, signing him to a five-year, $275 million extension, making him the highest-paid player in the NFL. This sizable contract undoubtedly impacts their salary cap flexibility, which may have contributed to the inability to finalize a long-term deal with Higgins.
However, other NFL teams are eyeing the situation with interest, pondering the potential of acquiring a talented receiver like Higgins. The New York Jets, while having only $6.254 million in cap space for the season, are noted for their possible strategies to accommodate a new deal. "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," one source was quoted as saying. This kind of financial maneuvering could make a move for Higgins feasible for teams with savvy cap management.
Several other teams have more substantial cap space, potentially making them prime candidates in the event the Bengals reconsider Higgins' trade request. The Washington Commanders hold $37 million in cap space, while the New England Patriots have $43.763 million available. The Los Angeles Chargers, with $20.656 million in cap space this season, are another team to watch. The Chargers, in particular, are projected to have nearly $43 million in cap space by 2025, giving them the flexibility to plan for a future acquisition of top-tier talent.
Trade Speculations and Comparative Costs
The ongoing trade speculations surrounding Higgins appear to be gaining traction as teams evaluate the cost-benefit of acquiring him. As noted in a recent analysis, "A trade and contract for Higgins will most certainly cost less than trading for Adams," referring to the financial implications compared to acquiring another high-profile receiver such as Davante Adams.
For the Bengals, maintaining team chemistry and maximizing their competitive window with Burrow at the helm are crucial considerations. While keeping Higgins on the franchise tag buys them time, it also leaves room for lingering uncertainty, potentially impacting future negotiations and team dynamics.
Conclusion
The decision to play under the franchise tag places Tee Higgins in a pivotal position, both personally and within the broader landscape of NFL trades and contracts. As he gears up for the 2024 season, all eyes will be on his performance and the ensuing negotiations that will doubtless follow. His role in the Bengals' offense remains significant, and how this situation unfolds will be a storyline to watch closely as the season progresses.