At the NFL Scouting Combine, Cincinnati Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin announced the team’s decision to franchise tag star wide receiver Tee Higgins well ahead of the deadline, underscoring their commitment to retaining key talent.
Explaining the proactive move, Tobin emphasized the Bengals’ desire to keep Higgins in-house, citing his significant contributions to the team and their ability to allocate resources toward securing his services.
Higgins, despite a slight downturn in production due to injury, remains a pivotal component of the Bengals’ offensive arsenal, boasting impressive career statistics and demonstrating his value on the field.
Franchise tagging Higgins provides the Bengals with flexibility and control over his future, allowing them to negotiate a long-term contract, explore trade options, or retain him for the upcoming season.
While Tobin refrained from speculating on specific plans, he reiterated the organization’s intent to retain Higgins, acknowledging his importance to the team’s success.
Coach Zac Taylor echoed Tobin’s sentiments, expressing admiration for Higgins and emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive relationship amid contract negotiations.
Looking ahead, Tobin acknowledged the complexity of managing player contracts within the confines of the salary cap, highlighting the ongoing puzzle of roster management in the NFL.
With the franchise tag securing Higgins for the immediate future, the Bengals remain focused on building a competitive roster while navigating the intricacies of player retention and salary allocation.
