Dallas Cowboys Make Big Move as Bengals Place $26.2 Million Franchise Tag on WR Tee Higgins for Second Year in a Row
The NFL offseason is heating up, and two major developments have sent ripples through the league. In a significant move, the Dallas Cowboys are reportedly set to use the franchise tag on defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, locking in a key piece of their defensive line. Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Bengals have made headlines by placing the franchise tag on star wide receiver Tee Higgins for the second consecutive year, securing him with a hefty $26.2 million salary for the 2025 season.
For the Cowboys, the decision to tag Odighizuwa signals their commitment to bolstering a defense that has been a bright spot in an otherwise turbulent season. The 26-year-old defensive tackle has emerged as a disruptive force, and with his rookie contract expiring, Dallas isn’t taking any chances on losing him to free agency. If no long-term deal is reached by the July 15 deadline, Odighizuwa will play under a fully guaranteed $25.1 million tag—an investment that reflects the team’s belief in his potential to anchor their front line alongside stars like Micah Parsons.
On the other side of the league, the Bengals’ decision to tag Tee Higgins again underscores their reluctance to let go of a vital offensive weapon, even as contract negotiations remain unresolved. Higgins, who caught 73 passes for 911 yards and a career-high 10 touchdowns in 2024 despite missing five games due to injury, will earn $26.2 million in 2025 if a long-term extension isn’t finalized. The move keeps him in Cincinnati for another year, pairing him with quarterback Joe Burrow and fellow wideout Ja’Marr Chase, but it also highlights the ongoing standoff between Higgins and the franchise over a multi-year deal.
Bengals management has expressed optimism about securing Higgins long-term, with director of player personnel Duke Tobin emphasizing his value to the team. “Whenever I’m in charge of a football team, I want Tee Higgins,” Tobin said at the NFL Scouting Combine. However, with Chase also due for a blockbuster extension and defensive end Trey Hendrickson seeking a raise or trade, Cincinnati faces tough financial decisions that could shape their Super Bowl window.
The contrasting moves by Dallas and Cincinnati reflect the high stakes of the NFL’s franchise tag deadline. For the Cowboys, it’s about continuity and building around a young defensive core. For the Bengals, it’s a calculated gamble to retain talent while navigating a crowded cap sheet. As the offseason unfolds, both teams will look to solidify their rosters—Dallas with an eye on defensive dominance, and Cincinnati banking on its offensive firepower to reclaim contender status.
What’s next for these two franchises? Will Odighizuwa and Higgins stay put with long-term deals, or could trade rumors swirl if negotiations falter? The NFL world is watching closely.
