Tee Higgins of the Cincinnati Bengals will receive the franchise tag, as reported by Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. While it may have been a hopeful notion for the Panthers to sign Higgins in free agency, the franchise tag guarantees him a contract worth $21.8 million for one season. This allows for negotiations on a long-term contract extension while paying Higgins his deserved amount for this season. Although the news prevents Carolina from signing Higgins in free agency, a trade scenario could still be possible with compensation sent to Cincinnati while working out a contract to keep Higgins in Carolina. Higgins had an injury-riddled 2023 season with 656 yards and five touchdowns on 42 receptions, his worst season in four years. His most productive season was in 2022 with over 1000 yards and seven touchdown receptions. Carolina may have missed out on pairing Higgins with quarterback Bryce Young, but the offseason offers options in the draft and free agency for playmaking additions to the receiving corps.
