While the Bengals try to navigate the challenge of keeping multiple star players in Cincinnati, they’ve made one of their first big decisions by tagging Higgins. The team’s star quarterback, Joe Burrow, has already signed a lucrative long-term extension, but other cornerstone players are eyeing massive extensions this summer. Extension talks primarily regard Higgins and fellow wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, though several other starters are also looking for a new contract. If Higgins signs Cincinnati’s franchise tag, he’ll receive $26.2 million in 2025. Both sides still hope to agree to a long-term deal to avoid a potential holdout at the start of training camp or simply having a disgruntled star player.

Higgins recently wrapped up his fifth season as a pro and is approaching 5,000 career receiving yards despite missing a handful of games in the last two seasons. He’s reached the end zone once every other game on average, scoring 34 touchdowns through his first 70 career regular season games. It’s a unique situation given Higgins is obviously uber-talented, yet hasn’t even been considered the best receiver on his team since 2021 when the Bengals drafted Chase fifth overall. Some assume Higgins could put up even more impressive numbers in a different situation as the top target, but playing with an elite quarterback and a premier weapon on the opposite side of the field is certainly beneficial. Higgins would likely fair well regardless, but since the Bengals have placed the franchise tag on him, it’s increasingly likely he isn’t going anywhere.

Author: Trey Kroll (@TreyK_FB )