CINCINNATI — To no one’s surprise, Tee Higgins won’t be getting a contract extension.
The 25-year-old wide receiver signed his $21.8 million franchise tag on June 17, just after the conclusion of mandatory mini-camp.
That means he will be in camp when it starts on July 24, ready to ramp up for a season that could land him a nine-figure contract.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport first reported the news Sunday that Higgins and Athletes First agent David Mulugheta would not reach an agreement with the Bengals before Monday’s deadline, meaning Higgins will play this year for the Bengals on a one-year deal.
Despite wild speculation that teams are lining up for the potential free agent, the Bengals easily could repeat this in 2025, and bring him, Ja’Marr Chase and Jermaine Burton back for another year together.
But first things, first. Higgins wants to be a major part of a Bengals revamped offense that figures to give Joe Burrow the most weapons he’s had entering his fifth NFL season.
A second-round pick by the Bengals in 2020, one round after Burrow, Higgins has been a critical weapon for Burrow, catching a 75-yard TD pass in Super Bowl LVI and making several critical plays in Cincinnati’s two AFC title games in Kansas City in back-to-back seasons.
Higgins has 257 receptions for 3,648 yards (14.3 yards per catch) and 24 touchdowns through four seasons.
He is coming off his worst statistical year in 2023 after Burrow went down in Week 11. Higgins also missed five games due to injury last season, leading to career-lows of 42 receptions for 656 yards and five TDs.
