The franchise tag window opens Tuesday at 4 p.m. Here's what that could mean for the Patriots.
The 26-year-old has caught 330 passes for 4,595 yards and 34 touchdowns in five years with the Bengals. The 6-foot-4-inch, 219-pounder said earlier this month he hopes to work out a long-term deal as part of a way to keep Cincinnati's pending free agents in place.
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But he also understands that it's a business.
'Of course, we all want to keep the core pieces what it is. Even with Mike Gesicki. You know what I mean? That's a core piece, as well. So obviously, we want to build something here in Cincy,' Higgins told Fox19's Joe Danneman.
"I love it here, I love the city, I love the fans, I love the coaching staff, everything in the building. But, it's not in my control."
We know what fans want.
We know what Joe Burrow wants.
But what is Tee Higgins' priority when it comes to his future?
— Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe)
'But you know, it's not in my hands right now. So I've got to do what I need to do. And if that's go to another team, then that's what happens. Obviously, I would love to be here in Cincinnati. I love it here. I love the city. I love the fans. I love the coaching staff — everything in the building. But it's not in my control.'
Offensive line figures to be another offseason priority, which means the Patriots could be keeping an eye on the Chiefs, who have to make a decision on Pro Bowl guard Trey Smith. The 25-year-old is likely to be one of the most sought-after free agents if available.
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Chiefs guard Trey Smith is likely to be one of the most sought-after free agents if available.
Danny Karnik/Associated Press
Offensive tackles Ronnie Stanley (Ravens) and Alaric Jackson (Rams) are eligible to be tagged. While both are considered to be at or near the top of the market at their position, neither team is in an optimal position to tag its tackle because of anticipated cap issues.
Other potential names to keep in mind when it the window opens include Eagles linebacker Zack Baun, Dolphins safety Jevon Holland, and Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold.
Will the Eagles allow linebacker Zack Baun to hit the open market?
Matt Slocum/Associated Press
There are three types of franchise tags: non-exclusive, exclusive, and transition.
The non-exclusive tag is the most commonly used. It pays an average of the top five players at a position (or 120 percent of his previous salary, whichever is greater). However, it allows the player to sign an offer sheet. If that happens, the original team has the right to match the offer or receive two first-round draft picks in compensation if the player leaves.
The exclusive tag binds the player to his team, and his agent is prohibited from seeking an offer sheet.
The transition tag is similarly structured as the non-exclusive tag, but it only provides the original team the right to match an offer. If the original team decides not to put forward a matching offer, it gets no compensation if the player leaves.
When a player is tagged, the sides have until mid-July to sign a long-term contract. The tagged player could also be traded. Ultimately, if no long-term deal is reached, the player is on a one-year deal, as Higgins was last season.
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Last offseason, the Patriots used the transition tag as a delay tactic with veteran safety Kyle Dugger. Dugger was tagged on March 5, but ended up
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This offseason, the Patriots are unlikely to use the tag designation, as they have a relatively small class of potential free agents. Defensive end Deatrich Wise, cornerback Jonathan Jones, tight end Austin Hooper, and quarterback Jacoby Brissett are key veterans, but given their contributions and the potential tag numbers, are not serious candidates to be tagged.
The tag window runs from Tuesday at 4 p.m. until March 4 at 4 p.m.
Christopher Price can be reached at
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