Geoff Hobson on Bengals Keeping Tee Higgins, "He's the Best Free Agent"

The Cincinnati Bengals will have an important decision to make this offseason, and that has to do with star WR Tee Higgins. Higgins is set to enter free agency unless the team offers a multi-year deal or hits him with the franchise tag. 

Higgins getting hit with a franchise tag would allow the Bengals' GM to work with him on a multi-year deal until July, or simply have him play out the 2024 season with a salary of around $20.7 million. 

Geoff Hobson joined Bleav in Bengals to discuss what the smartest move would be in relation to Higgins being retained. 

"I'd say he's the most high-profile free agent and the best free agent that's out there. I think he's viewed with JaMarr and Joe Burrow as this inseparable trio. 'Oh my god are they going to break up?' I couldn't see them breaking up this year. They've got too many tools to be able to keep him. Obviously, the franchise tag is coming to mind."

via Geoff Hobson, Bleav in Bengals 

Higgins had his worst year, which resulted in 656 yards and 5 TDs. He dealt with a hamstring injury that held him out of multiple games, but he still managed to be productive. 

The same happened with QB Joe Burrow, who missed multiple games due to a wrist injury. However, when Burrow, Chase, and Higgins are together—they are a highly powerful offense. 

The Bengals would be smart to work with Higgins on a multi-year deal, though they are likely to hit him with the franchise tag.

Higgins might fetch a high price on the FA market considering he has showcased elite skills in his previous seasons. Should the Bengals want to return to AFC relevancy, they will need to work out a way to retain their second-best wide receiver.