There was understandable outrage when the Cincinnati Bengals announced their intention to use the franchise tag on Tee Higgins for a second time. One year of forcing Higgins to stay in stripes on a guaranteed deal was one thing -- two years feels excessive.
Most players would push back against this, but Higgins has been silent on the issue, leading many to believe an extension could be in the works. With no definitive news either way, we have to assume the Bengals will tag him.
It's not ideal, but it's not the end of the world, either.
Here are the pros and cons of the Bengals tagging Higgins in 2025:
PRO: Higgins Stays in Cincinnati for Another Year
This is the most obvious benefit. With Joe Burrow under center and Ja'Marr Chase as the primary target, the Bengals' offense is already dangerous -- but with Higgins, it reaches another level.
Secondaries can't just bracket Chase; they have to respect Higgins, too. His presence creates mismatches everywhere. Focus too much on Chase, and Higgins wins one-on-one. Try to account for both, and suddenly, the slot receivers, tight ends, and running backs have space to work.
A healthy Bengals offense with Higgins is one of the league's best. If they can pair that with a rejuvenated defense, they have a real shot at a Super Bowl run.
CON: It's a Bad Look for the Team
Elite teams take care of their stars. If they can't, they move them. The Bengals have the money to extend Higgins, yet they're forcing him to play under another one-year deal instead. That's not how top-tier organizations operate.
Higgins isn't just a "nice-to-have" piece -- he's a No. 1 receiver who happens to share a team with the best wideout in the league. Had Burrow not been injured as a rookie, the Bengals might never have landed Chase, and Higgins would have been their top guy.
Forcing him onto the tag again could send the wrong message to future free agents: excel here, and you still might not get rewarded.
PRO: It Narrows the Bengals' Options
The Bengals can afford to keep Higgins. What they can't do is give Chase the biggest non-quarterback contract in history and then make Higgins one of the highest-paid receivers as well. That would leave little room for keeping other key pieces, like Trey Hendrickson.
If Higgins hits free agency, a team like the Patriots -- desperate for receiver help and flush with cap space -- will throw more money at him than the Bengals should. By tagging him, Cincinnati ensures they're the only team he can negotiate with, giving them a chance to work out a deal on their terms.
CON: Higgins Has No Long-Term Security
NFL contracts look massive on paper, but they pale in comparison to MLB and NBA deals. Chase, when extended, will likely average around $40 million per year -- similar to Aaron Judge or LaMelo Ball. The difference? Judge and Ball will have guaranteed contracts, while Chase plays a far more violent sport with fewer guarantees.
If Higgins is forced onto the tag again, he's taking a massive risk. One serious injury could cost him tens of millions in future earnings. If he gets hurt late in the 2025 season, his 2026 market value will plummet. It's a gamble, and the Bengals are the ones holding the cards.
PRO: Higgins Gets a Huge Guaranteed Payday
While the lack of a long-term deal is a downside, playing on a second franchise tag does have one financial upside -- Higgins would be guaranteed 120% of his 2024 salary. That means he'd earn a fully guaranteed $26 million for 2025, roughly what Cooper Kupp makes as the 10th-highest-paid receiver in the NFL.
It's not the security of a multi-year deal, but it's still a massive one-year payout.
PRO: The Tag-and-Trade Option Stays Open
If the Bengals don't tag Higgins and can't reach a long-term deal before free agency, he walks for nothing.
But by tagging him, the Bengals at least keep the option open for a trade. While they've historically been reluctant to move tagged players, they'd still have the chance to flip Higgins for a draft pick or another player. It's not the likeliest scenario, but it's leverage they wouldn't have otherwise.
Did the Bengals make the right call by tagging Higgins again? Would you have extended him, let him walk, or pursued a trade?