NFL Insider: People Believe Bengals Will Trade Tee Higgins After Using Franchise Tag for Second-Straight Year
The Cincinnati Bengals made headlines by applying the franchise tag to star wide receiver Tee Higgins for the second consecutive year. While the move ensures Higgins remains under team control for the 2024 season, many NFL insiders believe this is a precursor to a trade rather than a commitment to keep him long-term.
Bengals’ Decision to Tag Higgins Again
Higgins, a second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, has been a critical component of the Bengals’ high-powered offense alongside Ja’Marr Chase. However, the franchise tag—valued at approximately $21.8 million for wide receivers in 2024—creates a tricky financial situation for Cincinnati.
The team is already preparing for an impending mega-extension for Chase and must also consider the long-term financial commitments to quarterback Joe Burrow, who signed a record-setting deal last offseason. Given these factors, tagging Higgins again without a long-term contract agreement signals that the Bengals may be looking to trade him rather than keep him on the roster for 2024.
Why a Trade Makes Sense for Cincinnati
Using the franchise tag on Higgins was a logical short-term move to maintain leverage. If the Bengals had allowed him to hit free agency, they would have lost him for nothing more than a compensatory pick in 2025. Instead, by tagging him, they keep their options open—either working out a long-term deal or trading him for significant draft capital or other assets.
A trade would provide the Bengals with valuable resources to strengthen other areas of the roster, such as the offensive line or defensive secondary. Moving Higgins would also open up opportunities for younger, cheaper receivers to step into a more prominent role.
Potential Landing Spots for Higgins
Several wide receiver-needy teams would be interested in acquiring a player of Higgins’ caliber. Here are a few potential landing spots:
- Carolina Panthers – The Panthers desperately need a true No. 1 receiver for Bryce Young. They have the cap space and draft assets to make a deal work.
- New England Patriots – With a likely rookie quarterback coming in, the Patriots need a proven playmaker. Higgins would immediately become their top offensive weapon.
- Indianapolis Colts – Pairing Higgins with Michael Pittman Jr. could elevate the Colts’ passing attack, giving Anthony Richardson a strong duo to develop with.
- Kansas City Chiefs – Patrick Mahomes could use another reliable target alongside Travis Kelce. The Chiefs’ lack of elite receiver play in 2023 showed they need a difference-maker on the outside.
- Houston Texans – With C.J. Stroud on the rise, adding Higgins would solidify Houston’s receiving corps and accelerate their competitive timeline.
What’s Next for Higgins and the Bengals?
If the Bengals intend to trade Higgins, they will likely aim to complete a deal before the 2024 NFL Draft to maximize their return in terms of draft picks. However, if no suitable offer emerges, they could keep him on the tag for the season, allowing Burrow to have another year with his full arsenal of weapons.
Ultimately, while Higgins has expressed interest in a long-term deal, the Bengals’ financial priorities suggest a trade is the most probable outcome. If that happens, expect a bidding war for one of the league’s most talented young receivers.
Final Thoughts
The Bengals’ decision to use the franchise tag on Tee Higgins for the second straight year sets the stage for a significant offseason storyline. Whether he stays in Cincinnati or moves to a new team, Higgins’ future will be one of the most closely watched developments leading up to the 2024 season. NFL fans should keep their eyes on the trade market, as a major move could be on the horizon.
