Tee Higgins Set to Be Franchise-Tagged by Cincinnati Bengals, Per Ian Rapoport

Tee Higgins finally has clarity on his NFL future. The WR has been notified of the Bengals’ intentions toward franchise-tagging him as the season’s start date draws closer. Higgins’ $8.6 million contract would have expired this offseason with the Cincinnati Bengals, but the franchise had the option to franchise tag him. While this doesn’t solve their roster problems, it allows the Bengals to divert their attention toward other areas.

The Bengals currently hold a cap space of nearly $75 million as they head into the 2024 offseason. Higgins’ franchise tag will be a significant bump from his current $2 million average salary, but it was the safest option for the Bengals.

The 25-year-old WR will relish the update and communication confirming his franchise tag. Despite being a stop-gap method to secure the immediate future for both sides, it will net the WR quite a significant pay rise. Amidst the latest reports, it is expected that Higgins could net almost $21.8 million with the confirmation. While official contract details are yet to be revealed, the NFL’s latest franchise tag contract details suggest a similar number.

Ian Rapoport announced what many had already expected. In his latest tweet, the NFL reporter stated, “The Bengals informed star WR Tee Higgins that they are franchising him.” This decision will allow the Bengals to assess Higgins’ development for another year when Burrow eventually returns. The WR could only manage to nab 12 starts in 2023 with five touchdowns, a career low for the WR. He will likely fully flourish in the upcoming season to bag his first big contract in the NFL.

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The Bengals will be hoping to rejuvenate their franchise’s Super Bowl hopes. 

Changes in the Bengals’ roster other than Tee Higgins

Since the offseason is the first step toward it, Higgins’ contract resolution is one of the most significant pieces of the puzzle. After securing Joe Burrow last season and Tee Higgins’ confirmation, the Bengals will hope they can add to the talent to challenge Patrick Mahomes.

The Bengals, just like all the other franchises in the NFL, are looking to restructure their roster. With each team planning to redesign themselves by cutting off losses and making new additions, what changes have the Bengals introduced? So far the Bengals have signed Dominique Davis (DT), Allan George (CB), Nate Gilliam (center), Jeffrey Gunter (DE), Shaka Heyward (LB), Shedrick Jackson (WR), Kwamie Lassiter II (WR), Kendric Pryor (WR) and Jason Kirkland (G).

The franchise is not only planning to retain Tee Higgins; they have also moved two players from the practice squad to their active roster. Namely, Sidney Jones IV (CB) and Stanley Morgan (WR) are a part of the active roster now. However, the team also lost their OC Brian Callahan to the Titans. But the Bengals were not affected and with the promotion of Dan Pitcher to OC, the team brought in new blood.

What more changes will the team introduce? Let us know your predictions.

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