The Cincinnati Bengals and huge receiver Tee Higgins have been gridlocked in contract negotiations all through the offseason, and it seems they will not comply with a brand new deal.
Per NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, the Bengals and the 25-year-old wideout won’t attain an extension earlier than Monday’s deadline. Higgins reportedly requested a commerce earlier than signing his franchise tender (a one-year, $21.816M deal) in June, so this might result in extra stress between each events.
The Bengals might franchise tag Higgins once more subsequent offseason. Nevertheless, he can be due a minimal 20% increase in his 2024 wage, that means he’ll in all probability enter free company in 2025.
Of the eight gamers who signed the franchise tag this offseason, Higgins is the one one who did not signal an extension, by way of CBS Sports activities’ Tyler Sullivan and Garrett Podell.
Vikings wideout Justin Jefferson — a three-time Professional Bowler — just lately signed a four-year, $140M deal, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback within the NFL. In consequence, WR costs have skyrocketed. Spotrac initiatives Higgins’ market worth is a five-year contract price $19.7M yearly.
Higgins regressed barely final season, which can dissuade the Bengals from giving him an enormous contract. In 12 video games final season, he set profession lows in receptions (42), receiving yards (656) and landing catches (5).
To be truthful to Higgins, he battled rib and hamstring accidents, seemingly contributing to his dip final season. Extra importantly, Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow desires him to stay with the group.
Per Geoff Hobson of the workforce web site, Burrow just lately mentioned, “[Higgins and edge-rusher Trey Hendrickson] have earned every part that has come to them and extra.”
Not signing Higgins to a long-term deal carries danger for the Bengals. If Higgins indicators elsewhere subsequent offseason, that will seemingly upset Burrow. Nonetheless, Cincinnati might present him the cash if he rebounds in 2024.
