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.

The Cincinnati Bengals are trying to work out a long-term contract with wide receiver Tee Higgins but are willing to use a franchise tag again for the 2025 season, according to multiple media reports on Monday.