The Cincinnati Bengals have made some questionable decisions during the 2025 NFL offseason. In 2024, despite arguably the best passing season of Joe Burrow’s career, the team missed the playoffs, finishing with a bottom-five defense in the league. However, rather than trying to shore up on that side of the ball, they’ve decided to go all-in on offense.
As a result, Mike Gesicki has an extension, and Trey Hendrickson is exploring trade options. But, even on offense, they haven’t been able to keep everyone happy, with a franchise tag for Tee Higgins rubbing people in his camp, including his mother, the wrong way.
Tee Higgins’ Mother Still Unimpressed by Bengals Franchise Tagging Her Son
PFSN’s list of free agent rankings this offseason had Higgins as the best available free agent in the NFL. However, the Bengals want to circumvent their issue with a franchise tag for the second straight season.
Last year, Higgins faced a similar situation, netting $21.8 million on a franchise tag. This year, that number will jump to $26.18 million. While a significant figure, a long-term deal could have netted him more money and some financial security in the long run.
As a result, his mother, Lady Stewart, took to Instagram, posting a story about Bengals legend and all-time great Chad Johnson, calling the move “disrespectful.” However, she went further, adding, “Disrespectful as hell.”
𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚: Tee Higgins’ mother took to Instagram to voice her displeasure with the #Bengals tagging Higgins a 2nd time.
“Disrespectful as hell.” pic.twitter.com/zh7U9Hc0cl
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) March 7, 2025
It isn’t the first time Stewart has voiced her displeasure over the situation. When it first came to light, she took to X and posted a straightforward message: “Selfish b*******.”
With teams clamoring to give one of the best wide receivers in the league a significant deal to recruit him, Stewart felt like the move wasn’t on par with the contributions her son made for Cincinnati. Despite placing behind Ja’Marr Chase on the depth chart, Higgins is widely recognized as one of the best pass catchers in the game.
And he’s coming off an incredible 2024 campaign, where he totaled a career-high ten touchdowns in just 12 games, with Joe Burow having a passer rating of 119.5 when targeting him. The production was undeniable, and it made Higgins an even hotter commodity.
Throughout Super Bowl 59 weekend and beyond, teams have made their pitches to bring Higgins aboard. However, with this move, the Bengals have, at the very least, made their intentions to bring him back crystal clear.
Of course, there is always the possibility that a new deal without a franchise tag could come into play, with the Bengals having a July 15 deadline to work out a long-term contract. However, they need to decide soon as the noise around the team gets louder.
And, as is the case with Higgins’ mother, some of it is percolating from within.