Tee Higgins Franchise Tag: Will Cincinnati Bengals WR Hold Out or Request a Trade? A Look at the Odds

The Cincinnati Bengals have officially placed the franchise tag on Tee Higgins for the second straight year, locking him in at $26.2 million for the 2025 season. With no long-term deal in place and the Bengals facing tough cap decisions, Higgins’ future remains uncertain. Will he be traded? Will he hold out? And if he does leave, where is he headed next? Let’s break down the odds.

Tee Higgins’ Future: Betting Odds

Will the Bengals trade Higgins before the end of the 2025/26 season?

• Yes +175 (36.4%)
• No -225 (69.2%)

Tee Higgins’ Next Team

• Patriots +150 (40%)
• Packers +400 (20%)
• Bears +450 (18.2%)
• Panthers +500 (16.7%)
• Jaguars +600 (14.3%)
• Titans +600 (14.3%)
• Commanders +800 (11.1%)

Will Tee Higgins Hold Out?

• Yes +400 (20%)
• No -600 (85.7%)

What Will Higgins’ Next Contract Be Worth?

• Over/Under $30.5M Annually -110

*Odds are for entertainment purposes only

Will Tee Higgins Be Traded?

• Yes +175
• No -225

The Bengals have a history of keeping their core players, and Higgins remains a key piece of Joe Burrow’s offense. The team’s refusal to entertain trade offers last offseason suggests they value him highly. However, the reality of cap constraints looms large, especially with Ja’Marr Chase due for a record-setting extension. If Cincinnati struggles early in 2025 or if contract talks remain stagnant, a midseason trade becomes a real possibility.

Tee Higgins’ Next Team Odds

• Patriots +150
• Packers +400
• Bears +450
• Panthers +500
• Jaguars +600
• Titans +600
• Commanders +800

If Higgins does leave, New England is the clear favorite. The Patriots have the cap space and a desperate need for a true WR1. Green Bay and Chicago also make sense as teams in need of a big-bodied receiver, while Jacksonville, Carolina, and Tennessee could enter the mix if they’re looking to give their young quarterbacks more weapons.

Will Tee Higgins Hold Out?

• Yes +400
• No -600

A holdout is unlikely, but it’s not out of the question. Higgins played through last season despite contract uncertainty, but two straight franchise tags can create tension. If he skips training camp, it would be more about making a statement than a serious attempt at forcing the Bengals’ hand. Our experts believe there is just a 20 percent chance that Higgins holds out next season.

Higgins’ Next Contract: O/U $30.5M Annually

Higgins will likely command a deal in the four-year, $120M+ range. The question is whether the Bengals will be the team to give it to him. Given the market for top receivers, $30.5M per year is a reasonable benchmark, with the final number likely falling in the $30-35M range.

Commentary

Nick Raffoul, Head of News at Sportscasting, weighed in on Higgins’ situation:

“Two straight franchise tags rarely lead to a long-term deal with the same team. The Bengals are playing a dangerous game here. If they weren’t willing to extend Higgins last offseason, it’s hard to see them suddenly doing it now. A midseason trade is more likely than people think, especially if Cincinnati starts slow. As for his next team, New England is the most logical fit, but don’t sleep on Green Bay or Washington. If Higgins hits free agency in 2026, he’ll be one of the highest-paid receivers in the league.”