Bengals to use franchise tag on Tee Higgins for second straight season

The Cincinnati Bengals and Tee Higgins appear to be heading down a familiar road.

Higgins posted on social media that the team is using the franchise tag on him for the second straight season. On X he posted the word, “tag.”

The move allows the Bengals to keep Higgins from reaching free agency, and focus on negotiating a long-term deal.

Both sides have until July 15 to reach a multi-year deal and if they don’t, Higgins would be paid a fully guaranteed $26.2 million in 2025.

Last season, the 26-year-old made 73 catches for 911 yards and a career-high 10 touchdowns in 12 games played.

It will be a busy off-season for the Bengals, who also are looking to sign fellow star receiver Ja’Marr Chase.

Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin told reporters that the team is preparing to make the receiver the league’s highest-paid non-QB.