Will the Bengals Trade or Keep Tee Higgins? What This Decision Means for the Future

The Bengals have once again tagged wide receiver Tee Higgins. Now, the big question is whether they’ll turn this tag into a long-term deal.

Intentions can change quickly. If a team offers a good trade for Higgins, will the Bengals consider it?

Teams sometimes do trade tagged players. Last year, the Chiefs tagged cornerback L’Jarius Snead and then traded him.

Trading Higgins could create $26.16 million in cap space. This money is crucial, especially with receiver Ja’Marr Chase likely seeking a major long-term contract, possibly over $40 million a year. They need these funds to keep Chase, who led the league in receiving yards in 2025.

Historically, the Bengals rarely turn a franchise tag into a contract extension. They did it with Carl Pickens, but he was cut after one year. They also extended running back Rudi Johnson after tagging him in 2005. Given that Higgins can earn $26.16 million in 2025 and then hit free agency, it makes a trade even more tempting for the team.

However, trading Higgins would pose a challenge. Quarterback Joe Burrow expects the Bengals to keep both Chase and Higgins, along with defensive end Trey Hendrickson. If Higgins is traded, the Bengals will have some explaining to do to their star quarterback.

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