It's likely Cincinnati places the franchise tag on the wide receiver, but if they don't, would the Patriots be willing to offer him a big contract?

Below is a look at the players who are likely to be tendered a franchise tag for the 2025 NFL season. On Monday, Feb. 17, James Rapien of Sports Illustrated reported the Cincinnati Bengals plan to use the non-exclusive franchise tag on wide receiver Tee Higgins for the second straight year.

The franchise tag is a placeholder that could be used for one of three reasons: the Bengals are looking to run it back after missing the playoffs in 2024, they want to buy time to hammer out a long-term extension or they’re considering trading Higgins and don’t want to risk losing him for nothing.

Mike Vrabel and New England Patriots brass descend on Indianapolis this week for an up-close look at prospects and a chance to interview the players the Pats will consider with the No. 4 overall pick. It’s also a chance to mingle with agents before free agency and chat with fellow executives as the trade market picks up.

Well, it's looking like the Cincinnati Bengals are going to slap a franchise tag on Tee Higgins for the second straight year, which basically eliminates any cha

The NFL will open the window for teams to place the franchise tag on players at 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday and here's why it means for the Bengals

All indications are the Bengals and Higgins want to avoid a tag. But that second tag number would check in below the likely $30 million or more in average annual salary he could earn on the open market from another team.