Two-Time 1,000-Yard Receiver Franchised Tagged for the Second Straight Year
Following a slow start to the 2024-25 season, during which the Cincinnati Bengals got off to a 1-4 start and ultimately missed the playoffs for a second straight season, the team entered the offseason facing major free-agent decisions regarding one of their top two wideouts, Tee Higgins. After playing on the franchise tag last season, Higgins, 26, entered free agency for the first time in his five-year career. The two-time 1,000-yard receiver was arguably the top name on the free-agent market, with several Super Bowl contenders targeting the dynamic wideout. Now, it has been reported by Adam Schefter that Higgins has been franchised tagged by the Cincinnati Bengals for the second straight year., as Higgins will look to continue making game-changing plays for the Bengals as they strive for a Super Bowl title next season.
Since being drafted in 2020, the former second-round pick has quickly established himself as one of the league’s most dangerous offensive weapons. In his first five seasons with the Bengals, Higgins became one of franchise quarterback Joe Burrow’s favorite targets, alongside Ja'Marr Chase and former Bengals receiver Tyler Boyd. Higgins posted 900 or more receiving yards in four of those seasons, including back-to-back 1,000-yard campaigns in 2021 and 2022. One of Higgins' biggest attributes is his ability to win jump-ball throws on contested catches, thanks to his six-foot-four height.
Last season in Cincinnati, Higgins was aiming to rebound from a 2023-24 campaign marked by lingering injuries, which led to him finishing with his lowest receiving yardage total, 656 yards and five touchdowns. Despite improving his performance this past season with 911 receiving yards and a career-high 10 touchdown catches, Higgins remained injury-prone for the second straight year. This was evident from the start of the season, as he missed the first two games due to a hamstring injury, including the Bengals' shocking season-opening loss to the Patriots, and missed three more games later on due to a quad injury. As a result, Higgins will enter next season again in Cincinnati, looking to stay healthy, as the Bengals will rely on him to make game-deciding plays on the field.
