The Bengals have applied the franchise tag to WR Tee Higgins for the second straight season, according to multiple sources. That'll keep Higgins from hitting free agency and lock him into at least a one-year deal that would pay about $26 million. Cincinnati can afford to fit that number under the 2025 salary cap, according to Spotrac's numbers. But the Bengals would likely prefer to work out a longer-term deal with the 26-year-old.

The Bengals plan on placing the non-exclusive franchise tag on WR Tee Higgins, according to Sports Illustrated's James Rapien. The non-exclusive tag allows other teams to negotiate with Higgins. But the Bengals would have the right to match any offer -- and would receive two first-round picks from the acquiring team if Higgins leaves. In other words, Higgins is a heavy favorite to be in Cincinnati in 2025. Rapien adds that the Bengals "plan" to sign Higgins to a long-term deal.

Bengals WR Tee Higgins (ankle, knee) is active for tonight’s game vs. the Steelers. He played through these issues last week, smoking the Broncos for 131 yards and three TDs. Get him into fantasy lineups.