Of all the NFL teams, the Cincinnati Bengals still possess one of the largest amounts of cap space available for usage.
This even after it was revealed that the team would use the franchise tag—a $21.8 million lump sum against the cap—to sign wide receiver Tee Higgins.
It doesn’t hurt that the NFL announced a significant increase to the 2024 salary cap, which the Bengals and the rest of the league also witnessed. The Bengals also had $10.7 million in rollover money to apply, bringing the total bar to $255.4 million.
Because of this, the Bengals’ total cap space before the scouting combine is still among the top 10.
Here is a look at the free cap space rankings for the entire league using the data from Over the Cap.
For the 2024 season, Joe Burrow’s top target will remain in Cincinnati thanks to the Bengals.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport revealed on Friday that Cincinnati intends to apply the franchise tag to standout wide receiver Tee Higgins, citing sources. According to Rapoport, Higgins’ franchise tag number is anticipated to be approximately $21.8 million, with no guarantees.
After Higgins is tagged, the Bengals and him have until the middle of July to reach a long-term agreement; if not, Higgins will be limited to playing the 2024 season on a one-year contract, which he can obtain through the franchise tender or by negotiating new terms (as Josh Jacobs and Saquon Barkley did last year).
This past season, Higgins persevered through a fractured rib as well as hamstring and ankle injuries to play in 11 games. With several other key players sidelined by injuries as well, Higgins demonstrated once more his dependability as the Bengals’ under center option. With a team-high 15.6 yards per catch, he produced 42 receptions for 656 receiving yards and five touchdowns.
