It felt like only a matter of time before players started posting reactions to the Cincinnati Bengals hitting Tee Higgins with a second franchise tag. Ja'Marr Chase, it seems, tops the list. Chase took to social media after word broke that the Bengals applied the $26 million tag (and made a bold statement while announcing it) and kept things vague with his reaction.

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For the second straight season, Bengals use the franchise tag on Higgins, while they hope to ink a long-term pact with both he and Chase.

That's what happens when you have generational talents like Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase and difference-making superstars like Tee Higgins and Trey Hendrickson. It will be a massive disappointment if this nucleus doesn't capture at least one Lombardi Trophy before the guys start hanging their cleats and shoulder pads up.

The Cincinnati Bengals franchised tagged wide receiver Tee Higgins for the second straight year on Monday, locking him in for another season as the two sides

Of course, Chase is widely considered one of the best wide receivers in the NFL and, since joining the league in 2021, has accumulated 395 receptions, 5,425 yards, and 46 touchdowns. He's also been named to four Pro Bowls and one First-Team All-Pro.

We break down the feasibility of Cincinnati's ambitious plan to lock up its star trio — and what that would mean for the rest of the team.

The Cincinnati Bengals and superstar wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase reportedly aren't yet close to reaching an agreement on a new contract. According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the Bengals and Chase "remain far apart" in contract talks on the heels of Chase's dominant 2024 season.