The Cincinnati Bengals have placed the franchise tag on wide receiver Tee Higgins for the 2025 season, indicating a desire to retain him. However, emerging reports suggest a trade could still be on the horizon.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter noted league-wide speculation about a possible tag-and-trade scenario for Higgins. Despite the Bengals’ intent to secure Higgins with a long-term contract, the possibility of a trade remains open.
“There are people across the league who believe that this could wind up being a tag-and-trade,” Schefter reported. “Now we don’t know whether that will happen. But I can tell you that there are people around the league who believe a tag-and-trade is possible here with Tee Higgins despite the fact that the Bengals have said their intent is to sign him to a long-term deal.”
Franchise Tag Could Still Lead to Tee Higgins Trade
The franchise tag, typically a tool to extend negotiations, was described by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport as “a placeholder for a long-term deal.” This move reflects the Bengals’ hope to keep Higgins beyond just the next season. Bengals director of player personnel, Duke Tobin, expressed a strong preference for keeping Higgins on the team.
“You know how I feel. I want him on my football team. I’ll do what I can to get Tee Higgins. The preference is a long-term deal, and they’re working to get it done,” Tobin told reporters last week.
This commitment to Higgins comes when the Bengals also consider a significant financial investment in fellow wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, aiming to make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league. With pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson also entering the final season of his contract, the Bengals face substantial financial decisions that could impact their team structure.
Cincinnati Bengals Face Needs Across Roster
While Higgins’ performance has made him a valuable asset, the Bengals’ broader team needs, especially on defense, might influence their decision to explore trade options. The team’s defense was a notable weakness that contributed to missing the playoffs in 2024, pointing to a need for adjustments and potential reallocations of salary cap space.
The Bengals’ use of the franchise tag on Higgins provides flexibility. They can continue negotiating a long-term deal, potentially trade him for valuable assets, or maintain his contributions for another season without a long-term commitment.
As the situation develops, Cincinnati might consider the benefits of a trade if it allows them to effectively address multiple team needs while strategically managing their payroll.
