The Cincinnati Bengals used their $26.2 million franchise tag on Tee Higgins on Monday, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. It's the second consecutive year the Bengals have franchise tagged Higgins and he'll now stay in Cincinnati for at least one more season.

The Los Angeles Chargers won’t be able to get their hands on Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins this offseason, barring a shocking tag-and-trade scenario after he received a second franchise tag.

Following the blockbuster trade that sent Deebo Samuel from the San Francisco 49ers to the Washington Commanders on Saturday, many believe the wide receiver trade market won't stop there. Tee Higgins is the top target available in free agency,

New York Jets wide receiver Davante Adams is one of the key fallback plans for the Los Angeles Chargers now that they missed on Tee Higgins. Adams has been linked to the Chargers already as he reportedly seeks a West Coast return.

The Los Angeles Chargers have the potential to be one of free agency’s biggest spenders given the wealth of free cap space and needs across the roster. But while fans might hope for the likes of a big splash such as Tee Higgins or Davante Adams,

With Tee Higgins staying in Cincinnati, the Los Angeles Chargers are looking for alternatives at wide receiver.

With Tee Higgins staying in Cincinnati, the Los Angeles Chargers are looking for alternatives at wide receiver.

The Los Angeles Chargers won’t be able to get their hands on Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins this offseason, barring a shocking tag-and-trade scenario after he received a second franchise tag.

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While the NFL free agent market doesn't appear as star-studded this season compared to years past, one potential game-changing wide receiver could be available.

“Per league sources, Chris Godwin will be incredibly sought after, assuming he gets to free agency. Patriots expected to be the driver there. It's gonna cost more money than you would have thought (think in excess of $25 million per) despite the season-ending injury.”

Davante Adams and Will Fries headline an offensive free agent class that the Chargers should spend heavily in when free agency opens next week.