Green Bay Packers 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 in full swing, and two franchises are making waves with decisive actions that could define their 2025 campaigns. The Green Bay Packers have reportedly applied the franchise tag to wide receiver Christian Watson, ensuring the explosive playmaker remains a key part of their offensive arsenal. Simultaneously, the Cincinnati Bengals have opted to place the franchise tag on wide receiver Tee Higgins for the second consecutive year, securing him with a $26.2 million salary as they navigate a tricky roster situation.
For the Packers, tagging Watson is a bold move to lock in a rising star who has become a favorite target of quarterback Jordan Love. The 25-year-old speedster, known for his big-play ability, has shown steady growth, and with his rookie deal expiring, Green Bay is betting on his potential to elevate their passing game. If no long-term contract is finalized by the July 15 deadline, Watson will play under a fully guaranteed $21.9 million tag—a significant commitment to a player who could be the missing piece in a Super Bowl push.
On the flip side, the Bengals’ decision to tag Tee Higgins again keeps their dynamic offense humming, but it also hints at unresolved tensions. Higgins, who racked up 73 catches, 911 yards, and 10 touchdowns in 2024 despite missing time due to injury, will pocket $26.2 million in 2025 absent a long-term deal. The move preserves Cincinnati’s trio of quarterback Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Higgins, but it sidesteps the bigger question of how they’ll manage their salary cap with Chase’s extension looming and defensive end Trey Hendrickson pushing for a raise or trade.
Bengals GM Duke Tobin addressed the situation at the NFL Scouting Combine, saying, “Tee’s too valuable to let walk. We’ll figure out the rest as we go.” Yet, the repeated use of the tag suggests a standoff, with Higgins reportedly seeking a deal that reflects his status among the league’s elite receivers.
Both moves underscore the high stakes of roster building. The Packers are doubling down on an offense that has fueled their resurgence, pairing Watson with Love and a stout defense to challenge the NFC’s best. The Bengals, meanwhile, are clinging to their Super Bowl window, banking on Higgins to keep their attack among the NFL’s most feared—even as financial pressures mount.
As the offseason unfolds, the Packers and Bengals are laying their cards on the table. Will Watson cement himself as Green Bay’s WR1 with a breakout year? Can Cincinnati secure Higgins long-term, or is a trade on the horizon? The answers will reverberate across the league, and fans are already counting down to kickoff.
