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.

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?

For a little while there, it was looking like the New England Patriots had no chance of signing Tee Higgins in free agency. It appeared that the Cincinnati Bengals were bound to keep him. But perhaps there is still a sliver of hope for the Patriots.