Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins has solidified his status for the upcoming season by signing his franchise tag, a move confirmed by a source to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. This signing ensures that Higgins, a key player for the Bengals, will be present at the team’s training camp, providing a significant boost to their preparations for the new season.
Higgins’ decision to sign comes shortly after the Bengals completed their mandatory minicamp. He had been absent from the entire offseason program due to the unsigned tag, but his commitment now indicates his readiness to integrate back into the team’s dynamics.
This development aligns with quarterback Joe Burrow’s earlier comments about maintaining contact with Higgins and looking forward to collaborating with him before the training camp officially starts in late July.
Under the franchise tag, Higgins is set to earn $21.8 million for the season. Although there remains a window for negotiating a long-term deal until July 15, it appears unlikely that an agreement will be reached within that timeframe. Higgins, a crucial offensive player since being drafted in the second round in 2020, has amassed impressive stats over his first four seasons, including 3,684 receiving yards and 24 touchdowns.
Last season, Higgins faced challenges with rib and hamstring injuries, limiting his participation to 12 games where he secured 42 receptions for 656 yards and five touchdowns. Despite these setbacks, his performance remains vital to the Bengals’ offense, and his return is highly anticipated by both the team and fans.
Higgins isn’t the only Bengals wide receiver in contract talks; Ja’Marr Chase is also seeking a significant extension. Chase, a three-time Pro Bowler, had a limited offseason presence but attended the mandatory minicamp.
As the Bengals aim to bounce back from a disappointing 2023 season marred by Joe Burrow’s wrist injury and missing the playoffs, the resolution of these key players’ contract situations will be crucial for their success in the upcoming season.