The Cincinnati Bengals have flexed the franchise tag over the years in a number of interesting ways.
In some cases, the Bengals have used the tag on…a kicker. In more notable, recent cases, the front office has used the extra year of control to keep one of the best overall safeties and defenders in the NFL.
And the 2024 offseason has always seemed earmarked for a franchise tag going on star wideout Tee Higgins. If nothing else, it will give the team into the summer to keep talking with his reps about an extension and preventing his departure via free agency.
With that obvious outcome looming soon enough, here’s a quick look at every time the Bengals have ever used the franchise tag.
2022 -- S Jessie Bates - $12.9 million
2020 -- WR A.J. Green - $18.1 million
2013-- DE Michael Johnson - $11.2 million
2012 -- K Mike Nugent - $2.7 million
2009 -- K Shayne Graham - $2.5 million
2008 -- OL Stacy Andrews - $7.5 million
2007 -- DE Justin Smith - $8.6 million
1999 -- WR Carl Pickens - $3.5 million
Note: Extended
1998 -- DT Dan Wilkinson - $3 million
Note: Traded to Washington
