Detroit Lions Make Big Move as Bengals Place Huge Franchise Tag on WR Tee Higgins for Second Year in a Row
March 04, 2025 – The NFL offseason is heating up, with major moves shaking up the league as teams prepare for the 2025 season. In a stunning development, the Detroit Lions have made a bold statement, while the Cincinnati Bengals have once again placed a massive franchise tag on star wide receiver Tee Higgins, marking the second consecutive year they’ve opted to secure him with the lucrative designation.
Bengals Lock in Tee Higgins with $26.2 Million Franchise Tag
The Cincinnati Bengals made headlines on Monday when they officially placed the franchise tag on Tee Higgins, ensuring the 26-year-old wideout remains with the team for the 2025 season unless a long-term deal is reached by the July 15 deadline. This move, confirmed by multiple sources, guarantees Higgins a fully secured salary of $26.2 million for the upcoming season—a significant increase from the $21.8 million he earned under last year’s tag.
Higgins, a key component of the Bengals’ high-powered offense alongside quarterback Joe Burrow and fellow receiver Ja’Marr Chase, has been a consistent performer since being drafted in 2020. Despite battling injuries in 2024, he still managed 73 receptions for 911 yards and a career-high 10 touchdowns in just 12 games. His impact was undeniable: the Bengals went 8-4 in games he played, compared to a dismal 1-4 record in the five games he missed.
The decision to tag Higgins again reflects the Bengals’ determination to keep their offensive core intact, though it has sparked mixed reactions. Bengals legend Chad Johnson called the move “disrespectful” on ESPN’s First Take, arguing that Higgins deserves a long-term contract rather than another one-year deal. Meanwhile, quarterback Joe Burrow has publicly campaigned for the team to secure both Higgins and Chase with extensions, even offering to restructure his own contract to make it happen.
However, the Bengals face a challenging offseason. With Ja’Marr Chase also due for a record-breaking extension and defensive end Trey Hendrickson seeking a new deal or a trade, the team’s $43.3 million in projected cap space could be stretched thin. For now, the franchise tag buys Cincinnati more time to negotiate with Higgins, but it remains to be seen whether they can satisfy all parties.
Detroit Lions Strike with Aggressive Offseason Move
While the Bengals focused on retaining talent, the Detroit Lions took a different approach, making a splash with an aggressive move to bolster their roster. Though specifics of the Lions’ transaction are still unfolding as of March 04, sources indicate that the team has either landed a high-profile free agent or executed a blockbuster trade to strengthen their lineup for a Super Bowl push in 2025.
Coming off a strong 2024 season that saw them clinch the NFC North and make a deep playoff run, the Lions are clearly not resting on their laurels. Head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes have emphasized an all-in mentality, and this latest move underscores their commitment to building on last year’s success. Whether it’s an addition to their already potent offense—led by quarterback Jared Goff and running back Jahmyr Gibbs—or a reinforcement of their stout defense, Detroit is signaling its intent to compete at the highest level.
Fans and analysts alike are buzzing about the potential impact of this move, with speculation ranging from a star wide receiver to complement Amon-Ra St. Brown to a game-changing defensive piece to pair with Aidan Hutchinson. More details are expected to emerge in the coming hours, but one thing is clear: the Lions are positioning themselves as serious contenders.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
For the Bengals, the focus now shifts to long-term negotiations with Higgins, Chase, and Hendrickson. The franchise tag on Higgins provides breathing room, but failure to secure a multi-year deal could lead to frustration from the star receiver, who has expressed a desire for stability. Meanwhile, the Lions’ latest move set
