Tee Higgins and the Bengals Fail to Reach Long-Term Extension
As the NFL's deadline for franchise-tagged players to sign long-term deals passed on July 15, one notable name remains without a new contract: Tee Higgins. Despite efforts from both sides, the Cincinnati Bengals and Higgins were unable to come to terms on a long-term extension, leaving the dynamic wide receiver to play the 2024 season under the franchise tag.
Higgins is the lone player among the league's eight franchise-tagged individuals this offseason who did not secure a new deal. The other seven – Justin Madubuike, Brian Burns, Jaylon Johnson, Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Hines-Allen, Antoine Winfield Jr., and L'Jarius Sneed – all inked new contracts ahead of the deadline. This leaves Higgins in a familiar position within the Bengals organization, as previous players such as Jessie Bates III and Jonah Williams navigated similar waters in recent years.
Higgins initially signed his one-year franchise tender on June 15, guaranteeing him $21.816 million for the 2024 season. Despite this, he did not attend the Bengals' mandatory minicamp, as he was seeking a lucrative extension. The franchise tag, which was placed on Higgins in late February, effectively prevented him from testing the free agency market, a move that has now shaped the outlook for the Bengals' receiving corps heading into the new season.
Head coach Zac Taylor expressed optimism about Higgins' return, stating, "I'm excited to move forward with Tee. He's done a great job handling his situation, and we are happy to get him back in the fold so we can start working toward a great 2024 season. The locker room will be excited to have him back around." Taylor's comments highlight the importance of Higgins’ presence on the team and the positive impact he has within the locker room, despite the ongoing contract saga.
Higgins' contributions to the Bengals since being drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Clemson have been significant. Over his four seasons with the team, Higgins has surpassed 1,000 yards receiving twice and has consistently been a reliable scorer, posting at least five touchdowns in each season. However, the most recent season was challenging for the talented receiver, as a hamstring injury limited him to just 12 games. Despite the injury, he managed to accumulate 656 yards and five touchdowns on 42 receptions.
The inability to secure a long-term extension has led to friction between Higgins and the team. Following the tagging in February, Higgins requested a trade in an effort to find a more favorable contract situation elsewhere. The Bengals, however, did not grant this request, compelling Higgins to play out the year on the franchise tag. This scenario bears resemblance to past instances involving Bates III and Williams; Bates played out his tagged season before leaving in free agency, while Williams stayed with the team, similarly playing his tagged season before exploring free agency opportunities.
As the Bengals prepare for the 2024 season, the relationship between the team and Higgins will undoubtedly be under scrutiny. The coming months will reveal how this unresolved contract situation will affect on-field performance and team dynamics. Regardless, Higgins' return to the field with the franchise tag ensures that the Bengals' offense will retain one of its most explosive weapons for at least another season, fostering hope among Cincinnati’s fan base for a successful campaign.
For now, the Bengals and their supporters will have to navigate the uncertainty surrounding one of their star players, keeping aspirations high while awaiting what the future holds for both the team and Tee Higgins.