The Cincinnati Bengals are hopeful about securing star wide receiver Tee Higgins to a long-term deal that will keep him alongside quarterback Joe Burrow and fellow wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase for years to come.
Making sure that the Bengals’ elite offense remains potent is a must for a team that is coming off of two years since its last playoff appearance. However, Cincinnati has a reputation for being one of the franchises that isn’t always willing to spend big dollars to retain talent or attract free agents.
Cincinnati didn’t do much to change the way its viewed on Monday, according to one prominent league insider.
“Bengals placed the $26.2 million franchise tag on WR Tee Higgins. This marks the second straight year that the Bengals have used their franchise tag on Higgins,” reported ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Monday.
After the news broke, Higgins himself had one word for how things unfolded.
“tag,” Higgins tweeted.
tag.
— Tee Higgins⁵ (@teehiggins5) March 3, 2025
“I’m sorry you have to deal with this dude. Thank you for all you’ve given to the team that I love. I really hope you stick around and you and Jamar and Joe can make something special happen and bring a Lombardi trophy to the Queen city. God bless you and thank you,” one fan wrote on Twitter.
“Idk anyone in the history of history mad about making 26 million in one year let alone for playing a sport.. remember where you came from and count it all joy.. the deal you want will come eventually,” another fan added.
“The disrespect will continue for all players until somebody finally say enough is enough damn 2 years in a row shows that you are clearly worth more,” one fan added.
It’ll be interesting to see if Higgins elects to sit out under the tag.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.