The Cincinnati Bengals and wide receiver Tee Higgins have hit an impasse in contract negotiations this offseason, and it seems unlikely they will reach a new agreement.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, the Bengals and the 25-year-old receiver will not finalize an extension before the upcoming deadline. Higgins had reportedly requested a trade before eventually signing his franchise tender—a one-year deal worth $21.816 million—in June, potentially adding strain to their relationship.
Looking forward, the Bengals have the option to use the franchise tag on Higgins again next year, but it would require a significant increase in salary, likely leading to his entry into free agency in 2025.
It has appeared evident for some time, but for clarity:
The #Bengals and star WR Tee Higgins will not do an extension by Monday’s deadline. He’s signed his franchise tag, he’ll play on it, then be one of the top free agents in the 2025 offseason. pic.twitter.com/kO8omw8Gol
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 14, 2024
Among the eight players who signed franchise tags this offseason, Higgins stands out as the only one who did not secure a long-term extension, as noted by CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan and Garrett Podell.
The recent mega-deal signed by Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson, totaling $140 million over four years, has significantly raised the market value for top wideouts, including Higgins. Spotrac estimates Higgins’ market value at approximately $19.7 million annually over five years.
Higgins experienced a slight downturn in performance last season, marked by career lows in receptions (42), receiving yards (656), and touchdowns (five) across 12 games. His struggles were compounded by injuries to his ribs and hamstring, which likely affected his output.
Despite these challenges, Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has voiced strong support for Higgins and his teammate Trey Hendrickson, emphasizing their contributions to the team’s success. Burrow stated, as per Geoff Hobson of the team’s website, that both players have earned recognition and more.
The decision not to secure Higgins with a long-term deal poses risks for the Bengals, especially considering Burrow’s preference for retaining key teammates. However, a potential rebound in Higgins’ performance during the upcoming season could sway the team towards offering him a lucrative contract in 2024.
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