The NFL franchise tag deadline has come and gone, with only two teams using the tag, yet significant movement occurred across the league. The Minnesota Vikings are looking closely at J.J. McCarthy’s development as he vies for the starting quarterback position. Sam Darnold’s absence from the franchise list enhances McCarthy's chances despite last season’s success. Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys secured Micah Parsons' future by renegotiating Osa Odighizuwa's contract, paving the way for significant cap flexibility.

In Cincinnati, Joe Burrow hopes for stability as Tee Higgins receives a franchise tag, ensuring the duo remains intact temporarily, but trade talks linger in the background. The Chicago Bears made a strategic move for quarterback Caleb Williams by acquiring guard Jonah Jackson, which is critical to improving their offensive line. Lastly, Matthew Stafford’s return to the Rams, amidst offers from other teams, signals his intent to stay competitive.

The Cincinnati Bengals are once again utilizing the franchise tag on wide receiver Tee Higgins, marking the second consecutive season for this decision. This strategic move comes as the Bengals aim to prevent Higgins from entering free agency, as they prepare to negotiate a long-term contract before the July 15 deadline. If an agreement is not reached, Higgins is set to earn a fully guaranteed $26.2 million in 2025, which reflects a 120% increase from his previous salary due to the repeated tagging.

This year’s franchise tag will either be the exclusive or non-exclusive type, both of which guarantee a one-year salary based on the average of the top-five salaries for the position or the aforementioned 120% of his previous salary. While the exclusive tag restricts contract talks with other teams, the non-exclusive tag allows other teams to extend offers, with the Bengals holding the right to match and receive two first-round draft picks if they decline.

The decision to tag Higgins has implications for the Bengals' salary cap, as $26.2 million is now allocated on their books, reducing their available funds significantly. Bengals' management has expressed a desire to retain Higgins, with general manager Duke Tobin emphasizing his importance to the team and the aim for a long-term agreement. However, the Bengals also face challenges with fellow star receiver Ja'Marr Chase and defensive leader Trey Hendrickson, both of whom are part of ongoing negotiations regarding contract extensions.

Despite the disappointment of being tagged again, Higgins' performance last season showcased his value, with 73 receptions for 911 yards and a career-high 10 touchdowns in just 12 games. His absence was felt evidently, as the Bengals struggled to perform without him on the field last season. As the franchise tag deadline approaches, the league will be watching closely how the Bengals navigate these negotiations and the future of their offensive weapons.

The Cincinnati Bengals are once again utilizing the franchise tag on wide receiver Tee Higgins, marking the second consecutive season for this decision. This strategic move comes as the Bengals aim to prevent Higgins from entering free agency, as they prepare to negotiate a long-term contract before the July 15 deadline. If an agreement is not reached, Higgins is set to earn a fully guaranteed $26.2 million in 2025, which reflects a 120% increase from his previous salary due to the repeated tagging.

This year’s franchise tag will either be the exclusive or non-exclusive type, both of which guarantee a one-year salary based on the average of the top-five salaries for the position or the aforementioned 120% of his previous salary. While the exclusive tag restricts contract talks with other teams, the non-exclusive tag allows other teams to extend offers, with the Bengals holding the right to match and receive two first-round draft picks if they decline.

The decision to tag Higgins has implications for the Bengals' salary cap, as $26.2 million is now allocated on their books, reducing their available funds significantly. Bengals' management has expressed a desire to retain Higgins, with general manager Duke Tobin emphasizing his importance to the team and the aim for a long-term agreement. However, the Bengals also face challenges with fellow star receiver Ja'Marr Chase and defensive leader Trey Hendrickson, both of whom are part of ongoing negotiations regarding contract extensions.

Despite the disappointment of being tagged again, Higgins' performance last season showcased his value, with 73 receptions for 911 yards and a career-high 10 touchdowns in just 12 games. His absence was felt evidently, as the Bengals struggled to perform without him on the field last season. As the franchise tag deadline approaches, the league will be watching closely how the Bengals navigate these negotiations and the future of their offensive weapons.

The Cincinnati Bengals have placed the franchise tag on wide receiver Tee Higgins, marking the second consecutive year they have utilized this designation for the talented receiver. The franchise tag indicates the team's intention to negotiate a long-term contract, as they continue to assess their salary cap situation while retaining key players. Quarterback Joe Burrow has been vocal in advocating for Higgins' contract negotiations alongside fellow stars Ja'Marr Chase and Trey Hendrickson, but the Bengals face significant financial challenges in keeping all four players together.

Higgins, who caught 73 passes for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns in 12 games last season, responded to the franchise tag news with a simple tweet: 'tag.' The Bengals' director of player personnel Duke Tobin expressed a desire to secure a long-term deal with Higgins, although recent social media updates from Higgins suggested that negotiations may not be progressing as hoped. The situation remains fluid as the Bengals work to balance their roster and finances while aiming for success in the upcoming season.

The Cincinnati Bengals have once again placed the franchise tag on wide receiver Tee Higgins, ensuring a guaranteed salary of approximately $26.2 million for the upcoming season. This decision comes as the Bengals hope to finalize a long-term contract with Higgins before the deadline of July 15. The franchise has expressed optimism in reaching agreements with other key players, including Ja'Marr Chase, who they aim to make the highest-paid non-quarterback. Tee Higgins has been a pivotal force in the Bengals' transformation from bottom-tier to championship contenders since being drafted in 2020 alongside quarterback Joe Burrow. His impressive statistics, despite injury challenges, include 4,595 receiving yards and 34 touchdowns over five seasons. Though he faced setbacks last year, he still managed a strong performance with ten touchdowns. With injuries impacting his playing time, Higgins plans to address these issues during the offseason.