"Now, (the Bengals) have until July 15th. If they can't get a deal done, certainly they could look at trading him," ESPN's Dan Graziano said.

What's Next for the Star Wide Receiver? The Bengals used the franchise tag on Higgins for a second-straight season on Monday afternoon.

Tee Higgins announced on Monday that the Cincinnati Bengals have placed the franchise tag on him for a second consecutive season. Higgins' announcement confirms prior reports that the Bengals intended to place the tag on the veteran wide receiver.

Higgins confirmed on Monday that the Bengals have used the tag on him for the second straight season. The tag carries a salary of $26.16 million because of the 20 percent raise mandated for a second tag. Chiefs guard Trey Smith is the only other player to receive a franchise tag at this point.

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The Cincinnati Bengals place the franchise tag on former Clemson star wide receiver Tee Higgins for the second straight season.

It’s possible that he may be a little confused by the Bengals using the franchise tag on Higgins when they’ve stated their hope of signing him to a long-term deal. A franchise tag can be a temporary placeholder before a long-term deal, but it can also just be a one-year contract.

After a disappointing 9–8 finish to their 2024 campaign, the Bengals need to figure out new contracts with several of their core players to keep the band together. Quarterback Joe Burrow has been public about his desire to see all three of Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Trey Hendrickson return to the team.

The Cincinnati Bengals don't usually hint at much when announcing roster moves. But the team's revelation of a second franchise tag for Tee Higgins is the new, big exception. Right in the first line of the team's announcement of the roster move is the declaration that the franchise tag has been applied "with the intent of continuing to work toward a long-term deal in Cincinnati.