Bengals at Crossroads with Tee Higgins' Future

As the franchise tag deadline approaches, Cincinnati weighs options for retaining the dynamic receiver amid considerations of injury history and salary cap.

The Cincinnati Bengals face a pivotal decision regarding free-agent receiver Tee Higgins and his future with the team, alongside Ja'Marr Chase, as they approach the franchise tag deadline on March 5.
Joe Burrow, the Bengals' quarterback, has expressed a desire for Higgins to return, highlighting the dynamic partnership between Higgins, Chase, and himself.
Higgins' availability due to injuries is a significant factor in the decision-making process, with his participation in games and snaps being lower than some of his 2020 draft class counterparts.
The Bengals are considering various paths for Higgins, including using the franchise tag, negotiating a long-term extension, or potentially trading him if a long-term deal cannot be reached.
The decision on Higgins will have substantial implications for the Bengals' strategy and salary cap management, especially in relation to securing other key players and addressing team needs.