ESPN makes 'big prediction' for Cincinnati Bengals this offseason
ESPN kicked off the week by making some predictions for each team that's been eliminated from the NFL playoffs. And unsurprisingly, their prediction for the Cincinnati Bengals involves wide receiver Tee Higgins, who is set to be a free agent when the new league year begins in March. ESPN's Aaron Schatz thinks the Bengals will […]
ESPN kicked off the week by making some predictions for each team that's been eliminated from the NFL playoffs.
And unsurprisingly, their prediction for the Cincinnati Bengals involves wide receiver Tee Higgins, who is set to be a free agent when the new league year begins in March.
ESPN's Aaron Schatz thinks the Bengals will place the franchise tag on Higgins, keeping him in Cincinnati for at least one more season.
From ESPN: The Bengals will place the franchise tag on Higgins instead of trading him to another team as often rumored. They are currently sixth in projected cap space for 2024 and can easily fit the franchise tag into their budget and keep this high-end offense rolling.
This would probably be the best scenario for Higgins. He's deserving of WR1 money, but he didn't put up gaudy numbers during his contract year due to injury (and due to Joe Burrow's injuries).
Playing the 2024 season on the franchise tag with a healthy Burrow would allow the former Clemson standout to increase his value ahead of the 2024-25 offseason when he'll still be just 26 years old.
It's still possible that Cincy could extend Higgins this offseason, but he'd probably be wise to test the open market after next season to maximize his value.
Joe Burrow’s parents detail the 2 loudest NFL stadiums they’ve seen their son play at
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has played in his fair share of loud NFL and college stadiums
