The Cincinnati Bengals have made it clear that signing Tee Higgins, Ja'Marr Chase, and Trey Hendrickson is a top priority this offseason, with Higgins being the most urgent case as he approaches free agency. Bengals Director of Player Personnel Duke Tobin emphasized the team’s preference for a long-term deal with Higgins, who is expected to receive the franchise tag if a deal is not finalized by the deadline. The team’s decision-makers are pushing to secure a contract extension to provide them with flexibility in free agency.

With the franchise tag deadline looming, the Bengals' front office is under pressure to negotiate a deal that would allow them to retain Higgins and maintain their competitive roster. A successful agreement could help the Bengals navigate upcoming free agency and strengthen their chances in the upcoming season.

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The NFL salary cap for the 2025 season has been set at $279.2 million, representing a significant increase of $24 million from 2024's cap of $255 million. This increase provides the Cincinnati Bengals with over $61 million in cap space, which they plan to utilize in retaining key players like Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Trey Hendrickson. Bengals Director of Player Personnel, Duke Tobin, emphasized their sound salary management strategy, indicating their intent to reward their star players while maintaining a healthy payroll. Head Coach Zac Taylor noted the ongoing efforts to negotiate long-term contracts, labeling the situation as 'champagne problems' due to the challenge of balancing the roster while keeping top talent. The Bengals are also considering using the franchise tag on Higgins if a deal cannot be finalized by the deadline.

The Cincinnati Bengals’ offseason is shaping up to be tumultuous after a disappointing 9–8 season in 2024. Quarterback Joe Burrow is vocal about his desire to retain star players Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Trey Hendrickson. However, securing a deal with Higgins may pose a challenge, especially with Chase already set to become the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league. Higgins recently posted a cryptic emoji on social media that seems to indicate a rift between him and the Bengals over contract negotiations.

Despite some reports suggesting a franchise tag for Higgins, Bengals’ director of player personnel Duke Tobin expressed confidence in getting a long-term deal done, emphasizing Higgins’s value to the team. The Bengals must navigate these complicated negotiations wisely to maintain their competitive edge.