Tee Higgins won’t be leaving the Cincinnati Bengals this offseason.
On Friday night, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Cincinnati will use the franchise tag on Higgins. If the two sides don’t work out a long-term agreement, he’ll receive about $21.8 million fully guaranteed for the 2024 season.
Higgins, a former second-round pick from Clemson, has been highly productive for the Bengals since entering the league in 2020.
In four seasons, Higgins has recorded 257 catches for 3,684 yards and 24 touchdowns. His ability to make tough contested catches makes him such an asset for Zac Taylor’s offense.
Although this move hasn’t been officially announced, Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has to be thrilled that Higgins is sticking around for the fall. After all, Higgins has quickly become one of Burrow’s favorite targets.
The rest of the NFL, however, can’t be too thrilled about this news. Teams in need of help at wide receiver would’ve loved to make an offer to Higgins.
The Bengals have until mid-July to get an extension done with Higgins. In the event they fail to reach an agreement, he’ll most likely hit the open market next offseason.