This was the expectation after reports surfaced over the weekend that the Bengals had informed Higgins that they intended to franchise tag him, but the move is now official. With Higgins tagged, Cincinnati will have additional time to negotiate a potential long-term deal with the former second-round pick in 2020. Should they be unable to find common ground, Higgins would then be slated to play out the 2024 season on the tag, which currently sits just north of $21 million. At this point, the expectation should be that Higgins returns for his fifth season with Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and the Bengals barring unforeseen circumstances. Higgins spent a good chunk of the 2023 season off the field while he dealt with a handful of injuries, which led him to his worst single-season finish of his career as the PPR WR51. As long as he can stay healthy, fantasy managers can expect a return to form as Cincy’s WR2 – although the potential addition of another offensive weapon via free agency/the draft could complicate things (looking at you, Brock Bowers).