Last offseason, the Cincinnati Bengals were facing a couple of tough decisions on Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins. The Bengals managed to sign Burrow to a five-year, $275 million extension, but his future in Cincinnati was never in doubt.

Higgins was a different story, especially since he plays second fiddle to fellow star receiver Ja’Marr Chase. Plus, unlike Burrow, Higgins was already set to become a free agent.

However, the Bengals put an end to any thoughts of Higgins playing elsewhere by applying the franchise tag on the 6-foot-4 receiver. He played last season under a $21.8 million franchise tag, but now he’s set to test the open market again.

Cincinnati Bengals expected to place non-exclusive franchise tag on Tee Higgins

Tee Higgins is just weeks away from being able to discuss a long-term contract with all 32 teams instead of just with the Cincinnati Bengals. Yet, the NFL’s franchise tag window opens on the 18th, meaning we could have some news on Higgins in the next few days, if not the next 24 hours.

Recently, On SI’s James Rapien reported that people from inside Higgins’ camp believe the 26-year-old receiver will be hit with the franchise tag for the second offseason in a row.

“Sources say Higgins’ camp expects to get tagged at this point. He would be the top free agent if he were to make it to free agency. That isn’t expected to happen. The Bengals will tag Higgins by the March 4 deadline.”

The idea of the Bengals keeping Higgins doesn’t come as a surprise, but seeing him get the franchise tag for two years in a row is unexpected. Since he’s in line to be franchise tagged for the second season in a row, Higgins is in line to make $26.1 million for 2025 and will re-enter free agency next offseason where he cannot be tagged again.