The Cincinnati Bengals have become one of just two teams – along with the Kansas City Chiefs – to utilize the franchise tag for a player in 2025.
The Bengals officially placed the tag on wideout Tee Higgins for the second year in a row as they continue to say they hope to sign him to a long-term deal. They have until July 15 at 4 p.m. ET to do so.
On Tuesday, Higgins’ teammate, Ja’Marr Chase, who is also due for a payday very soon, expressed his thoughts on the tag being placed on Higgins through a meme posted on social media.
Jamarr Chase is not happy about the Tee Higgins news pic.twitter.com/MvIyspFRW4
— BigBlueInsights (@BigBlue_Insight) March 3, 2025
Quarterback Joe Burrow probably has mixed emotions, as he’s happy Higgins will be around in 2025 but the uncertainty for his teammate in Cincinnati beyond that is frustrating.
Burrow has been vocal about wanting both his wideouts in Cincinnati long-term. While the Bengals will do everything they can to accommodate, they also have to think about how to keep star defender Trey Hendrickson, who will also command top dollar.
Burrow might not get his way with his roster wishes, but at least for 2025, Higgins will be a Bengal – unless he’s traded.
