The Cincinnati Bengals have been closely monitoring the situation with their franchised wide receiver, Tee Higgins, who is seeking a new contract. Despite a trade request in March, the Bengals made it clear they have no intention of trading Higgins and plan to pay him the $21,816,000 franchise tag amount for the 2024 season.
Higgins and his representatives have expressed a desire for a long-term contract, but negotiations appear to be at an impasse. Higgins skipped all voluntary team activities and the mandatory minicamp last week, avoiding fines since he wasn’t officially under contract.
On Saturday morning, Ian Rapoport from NFL Network reported that Higgins is expected to sign his franchise tender and join the team for training camp. Rapoport also noted that although an extension with the Bengals remains possible, it is currently deemed unlikely.
Higgins signing his franchise tender in mid-June is somewhat unexpected, given that in 2022, safety Jessie Bates III, also represented by David Mulugheta, didn’t sign his franchise tag and report to camp until mid-July. Many anticipated Higgins would follow a similar path.
While Higgins’ immediate future seems settled, the long-term resolution remains uncertain. Next offseason, Higgins could explore other teams, or the Bengals might franchise tag him again.
Regardless, the Bengals are focused on making another Super Bowl run, and having Higgins on the roster significantly enhances their chances. Both parties chose not to negotiate an extension during the 2023 season, and it seems likely this will be the case again this year. The Bengals aim to return to the AFC Championship game, and Higgins’ presence on the team is a crucial component of that ambition.
