### Cincinnati Bengals Navigate 2025 Free Agency with Key Decisions on Star Players As the Cincinnati Bengals enter the 2025 NFL free agency period, they face critical decisions regarding their roster, particularly concerning star wide receiver Tee Higgins and defensive end Trey Hendrickson. The Bengals have opted to franchise tag Higgins for the second consecutive year, ensuring he will earn approximately $26.18 million in 2025. This move comes amid ongoing discussions about long-term contracts for both Higgins and fellow wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase, as the team aims to maintain its competitive edge while managing its salary cap effectively. The franchise tag is a strategic decision, reflecting the Bengals' desire to keep their core players intact as they prepare for the upcoming season [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6190806/2025/03/10/cincinnati-bengals-2025-free-agency-tracker][https://sports.yahoo.com/article/cincinnati-bengals-2025-nfl-free-155655641.html]. ### Key Aspects of the Bengals' Free Agency Strategy 1. **Franchise Tag on Tee Higgins**: - The Bengals have placed the franchise tag on Higgins, which guarantees him a substantial salary for the upcoming season while negotiations for a long-term deal continue [https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/nfl/news/cincinnati-bengals-officially-place-wide-receiver-tee-higgins-for-the-second-time-in-a-row/articleshow/118768788.cms]. 2. **Contract Decisions for Other Players**: - The team is also evaluating contract situations for other key players, including defensive end Trey Hendrickson, as they look to balance their roster and salary cap [https://sports.yahoo.com/article/cincinnati-bengals-2025-nfl-free-155655641.html]. 3. **Market Dynamics**: - The 2025 free agency period is marked by a historically low number of franchise tags, with only two players tagged this year, indicating a shift in how teams are managing their rosters [https://sports.yahoo.com/article/only-two-players-given-franchise-122300702.html]. 4. **Fan and Player Reactions**: - The decision to franchise tag Higgins has sparked mixed reactions from fans and analysts, with some criticizing the move as limiting for the player, while others see it as a necessary step for the team's future [https://www.sportskeeda.com/nfl/news-f-k-bengals-nfl-fans-react-cincinnati-officially-using-franchise-tag-tee-higgins]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Franchise Tag Statistics**: - Only two players received the franchise tag in 2025: Tee Higgins (Bengals) and Trey Smith (Chiefs), marking the lowest utilization of the tag since 1994 [https://www.sportskeeda.com/nfl/news-120-010-000-wr-rips-bengals-franchise-tagging-tee-higgins-that-illegal]. - **Higgins' Performance**: - In the previous season, Higgins recorded 73 receptions for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns, showcasing his value to the Bengals' offense [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/only-two-players-receive_franchise_tag_lowest_since_94/s1_17049_41851509]. ### Conclusion: Bengals' Strategic Moves in Free Agency In summary, the Cincinnati Bengals are strategically navigating the complexities of the 2025 free agency period with a focus on retaining key players like Tee Higgins while exploring contract options for others. The franchise tag on Higgins not only secures his presence for the upcoming season but also allows the team to negotiate a long-term deal that aligns with their competitive goals. As the free agency unfolds, the Bengals will need to balance their roster decisions with the financial implications of their contracts, ensuring they remain a formidable contender in the NFL [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6190806/2025/03/10/cincinnati-bengals-2025-free-agency-tracker][https://sports.yahoo.com/article/cincinnati-bengals-2025-nfl-free-155655641.html].