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Bengals' Franchise Tag on Tee Higgins Raises Contract Tensions

Cincinnati's decision to tag Higgins complicates negotiations with Ja'Marr Chase and signals financial challenges ahead.

Dec 28, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (5) celebrates following the overtime win against the Denver Broncos at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images/File Photo
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 13: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrates a touchdown with Ja'Marr Chase #1 and Tee Higgins #5 during the first half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on October 13, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (5) stiff arms Dallas Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis (2) during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Cincinnati Bengals on Dec. 9, 2024 in Arlington, Texas.
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Overview

  • The Cincinnati Bengals have placed the franchise tag on wide receiver Tee Higgins for the second consecutive year, preventing him from entering free agency.
  • Ja'Marr Chase, also in contract negotiations, is reportedly far apart from the Bengals on a deal as he seeks to reset the non-quarterback salary market.
  • Chase publicly expressed apparent frustration with the Higgins decision, raising concerns about locker room dynamics and team chemistry.
  • The Bengals face financial constraints as they attempt to balance contracts for key players, including Chase, Higgins, and pass rusher Trey Hendrickson.
  • Franchise quarterback Joe Burrow has been vocal about keeping his top offensive weapons, adding pressure on the Bengals' front office to resolve these contract disputes.