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While it’s legitimate and permissible to trade a tagged player, there’s a separate problem. Quarterback Joe Burrow expects the Bengals to find a way to keep Chase and Higgins and defensive end Trey Hendrickson. If they trade Higgins, they’ll have some explaining to do to their most important player.

The Cincinnati Bengals are utilizing the franchise tag for the second consecutive season on the same player as wide receiver Tee Higgins has been hit with the tag once again. The

Bengals teammate and wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase appeared to also react to the news on Instagram. Chase posted a picture of Joe Burrow giving side-eye to his Instagram stories with a small gif of a man looking at his phone and going "What?" Chase tagged Higgins on the post.

• The stadium issue only adds to an all-time pressure cooker this spring. For a while, the Bengals have been negotiating an extension of the lease that expires in 2026 with the county. The club must decide if it exercises the first of five, two-year, rolling extensions on the lease by June 30.

Ja'Marr Chase responded to his teammate Tee Higgins getting franchise-tagged again — with a picture of another teammate.

The Cincinnati Bengals are franchise tagging wide receiver Tee Higgins for the second straight season, announcing the move on Monday with their intent to reach a long-term extension.

The Bengals placed the franchise tag on wide receiver Tee Higgins. Cincinnati hopes to work out a long-term deal with the standout.