Since being drafted by the Bengals, Tee Higgins has established himself as one of the league’s premier second receivers. Teaming up with Joe Burrow, their partnership sparked high hopes for the team in the previous season. However, their Super Bowl aspirations were dashed when Burrow suffered a season-ending injury, leaving Higgins and the receiving corps without their star quarterback.
Now that the 2024 season is knocking at the door, the Bengals team is making a crucial decision regarding Higgin’s future in Cincinnati, which they have already partially secured by putting a franchise tag on him.
The Bengals’ franchise tag on Tee Higgins is likely to be worth around $21.8M
Tee Higgins is slated to hit free agency in March, with the Bengals yet to secure a long-term extension for the wide receiver. If an agreement isn’t reached before the tag deadline, Higgins could potentially be tagged for $21.8 million, which is a substantial sum for wideouts.
Prior to that, reports suggested that the Bengals were expected to employ the franchise tag on Higgins. This preemptive move aims to secure the talented wide receiver and prevent him from exploring other options in free agency. With the announcement of the $255.4 million salary cap by the NFL, the Bengals become the first team to utilize the franchise tag in 2024 on Higgins.
The Bengals face a pivotal choice regarding one of Joe Burrow’s key targets. If they opt for the franchise tag, the 2020 second-round pick would secure a significant salary for the upcoming season, ensuring his presence on the team until at least the following March.
Keeping Higgins on board is crucial for the Bengals’ offensive prowess and maintaining Burrow’s satisfaction. Throughout his time with the Bengals, Higgins showcased his prowess, forming a formidable duo with Ja’Marr Chase.
Higgins proved to be an invaluable asset to the Bengals passing game despite sitting out a number of games last season with injuries. The talented receiver averaged a career-high 15.6 yards per catch on 42 receptions for 656 yards and five touchdowns.
Prior to the last season, he achieved over 1,000 receiving yards in both the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
What is the current Tee Higgins Bengals contract?
Tee Higgins is now without a contract with the Bengals after having been unable to come to terms on a long-term deal before the commencement of the previous season. His last contract with the Bengals dates back to 2020, a four-year deal valued at an impressive $74,405,184, with an average annual salary of $18,601,296.
The inability to reach a new agreement places the 25-year-old among the notable potential free agents this offseason, ranking at No. 3 in USA TODAY Sports’ pre-tag breakdown. Spotrac values Higgins at $18.6 million annually, positioning him as the 15th-highest salary cap hit for wide receivers.
As the offseason progresses, Higgins remains a notable name to watch in the free agency market. The coming weeks will reveal whether the Bengals can secure his return or if he will explore new opportunities in the NFL.
