Cincinnati Bengals set themselves up to hold onto one of Joe Burrow's top targets after putting wide receiver Tee Higgins on the franchise tag.
Despite only playing in 12 games in 2023, Higgins was still a useful target for passes.
His career-high 15.6 yards per reception were earned with 42 receptions for 656 yards and five touchdowns.
Both Burrow and head coach Zac Taylor expressed their admiration for Higgins and their wish.
Burrow's historic $275 million, five-year deal was both a necessary and rather burdensome move for the front office.
The same problem prevents any team from paying top dollar for a quarterback.
Duke Tobin, the Bengals' director of player personnel and nominal general manager, also had to take a significant factor into account.
In 2026, Ja'Marr Chase will be able to sign a free agent contract, and it is quite likely that he will be paid among the highest-paid wide receivers.
Tee Higgins Free Agency $21.8M Franchise Tag From Bengals