Denver Broncos Just Got Dealt Some Bad News Before NFL Free Agency

The Denver Broncos were hoping to make a splash in the upcoming NFL free agency, but their plans may have just hit a major roadblock. One of their top potential targets, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins, is expected to be franchise-tagged, effectively taking him off the open market. This move by the Bengals significantly impacts the Broncos’ ability to upgrade their receiving corps and leaves them scrambling for other options.

The Tee Higgins Dilemma

Higgins was high on the wish list for many Broncos fans and analysts as a potential game-changing acquisition. At just 25 years old, he has already proven himself as a reliable and dynamic playmaker, making him an attractive option for a team looking to bolster its offensive firepower. However, with the Bengals set to use the non-exclusive franchise tag, Denver’s chances of simply signing him outright have evaporated.

The non-exclusive franchise tag means Higgins will be under contract with the Bengals for one year at a salary determined by either the average of the top five highest-paid wide receivers over the last five years or 120% of his previous salary—whichever is greater. This means he will likely earn around $26 million for the 2024 season. While other teams can still negotiate with Higgins, any attempt to sign him away from Cincinnati would require giving up two first-round draft picks, a price far too steep for a team like Denver.

Would a Tag-and-Trade Work?

While the franchise tag effectively keeps Higgins in Cincinnati, there is still a possibility that the Bengals could entertain trade offers. Historically, teams have used the franchise tag as leverage, holding on to a player temporarily before trading him away for assets. The most realistic path for Denver to acquire Higgins would be through a tag-and-trade scenario, where the Broncos would negotiate a deal with the Bengals to obtain his rights and then sign him to a long-term contract.

The issue? The cost.

It’s estimated that a fair trade package for Higgins would involve a second-round pick in 2024 and a fifth-round pick in 2025. While that price may not be outrageous, Denver’s front office would still have to weigh whether Higgins is worth not only the draft capital but also a lucrative contract extension that could approach $25-$30 million per year.

Is Higgins Worth the Investment?

On paper, Higgins is a top-tier talent, but there are concerns. Over the past two seasons, he has missed 10 total games, raising questions about his durability. If Denver were to commit significant financial resources and draft capital to acquire him, they would need to be confident in his ability to stay healthy and perform at a high level.

Comparisons have been drawn between Higgins and Stefon Diggs, who was traded from the Minnesota Vikings to the Buffalo Bills for a package including a first-round pick. However, Higgins’ value may be slightly lower due to his recent injury history and the Bengals’ leverage in keeping him under contract for another year.

Broncos’ Other Options

With Higgins likely off the table, Denver must pivot to other wide receiver options. Some alternative free-agent targets include:

• Mike Evans (Tampa Bay Buccaneers): A veteran presence with elite contested-catch ability.

• Calvin Ridley (Jacksonville Jaguars): A high-upside option with deep-threat capability.

• Odell Beckham Jr. (Baltimore Ravens): A riskier move given his injuries but still a playmaker when healthy.

Denver could also explore the trade market or target wide receivers in the upcoming NFL Draft, where several high-quality prospects will be available.

A Rough Road Ahead for Denver

This setback comes at a time when the Broncos are already facing questions about their overall direction. ESPN analyst Seth Walder recently identified Denver as a prime regression candidate for the 2025 season, citing their mediocre offensive performance and overreliance on an elite defense. While the Broncos did secure a playoff spot in 2024, history suggests that 41% of teams fail to make the playoffs in consecutive seasons. Given their offensive struggles and uncertainty at quarterback, Denver could be in danger of slipping backward.

Final Verdict: No Deal on Higgins

Ultimately, while Higgins would have been a fantastic addition to the Broncos’ roster, the combination of financial strain and lost draft capital makes this a tough deal to justify. Denver’s front office, led by Sean Payton and George Paton, must now recalibrate their offseason strategy and find alternative ways to improve the team.

With the franchise tag deadline looming and free agency rapidly approaching, the Broncos’ ability to adapt will determine whether they can build a competitive roster for 2025. Missing out on Higgins is a disappointment, but smart moves in the coming months could still position Denver for success.