The NFL’s two-week window for teams to apply the franchise tag opens on Monday, February 18. After months of speculation surrounding Bengals wide receiver, the Chargers and the rest of the league will soon have clarity on his status before free agency begins in March.
At this point, it appears unlikely that Higgins will reach the open market.
According to James Rapien of Bengals Talk SI, Cincinnati intends to place the franchise tag on Him for a second consecutive year. This decision strongly indicates the team’s commitment to retaining him. Rapien reports that, unlike last offseason—when the Bengals tagged Higgins without serious discussions about a long-term deal—this year, the team is determined to sign him to an extended contract.
“Last year, the Bengals tagged Higgins, but there was little dialogue about a multi-year deal,” Rapien wrote. “He was the only tagged player last offseason who didn’t sign an extension.”
“This year feels different. Sources say the Bengals plan to lock up their star receiver with a long-term contract.”
Chargers’ Tee Higgins dream will end if Bengals use the franchise tag
Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins made a key move ahead of free agency by switching representation in December, signing with Alliance Sports after parting ways with David Mulugheta. He is now represented by Rocky Arceneaux, who also manages teammate Ja’Marr Chase.
While a tag-and-trade scenario remains possible if negotiations stall, the Bengals plan to place the non-exclusive franchise tag on Higgins if a long-term deal isn’t reached by March 4. This tag would allow other teams to negotiate with Higgins, but if he signs elsewhere and Cincinnati declines to match the offer, the Bengals would receive two first-round picks as compensation.
For the Chargers, this significantly dampens any hopes of pursuing Higgins. Cincinnati appears confident they can finalize a deal, and even if they don’t, the steep cost of acquiring Higgins via the non-exclusive tag makes a move unlikely. History has shown that teams rarely pursue non-exclusive tag players, as seen with Lamar Jackson and the Ravens two years ago.
Given the situation, the Chargers may need to explore other wide receiver options, such as Davante Adams or DK Metcalf, through trades or free agency. While Higgins would have been a great fit in Los Angeles, this outcome was always a possibility—especially with Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow publicly advocating for Higgins to stay in Cincinnati.
As the franchise tag window closes in the coming weeks, the Chargers will need to shift their focus to other available players. But for now, it seems Tee Higgins is no longer a realistic target for GM Joe Hortiz.
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