One of many prime receivers that was set to hit free company gained’t even be part of the open market this offseason.
The Bengals plan to make use of the franchise tag on Tee Higgins, preserving him beneath crew management for at the least another season, NFL.com reported Friday evening.
The 25-year-old is anticipated to obtain a totally assured $21.8 million for 2024 if the 2 sides can’t come to a long-term extension by March 5.
Higgins would have been one of many prime free-agent choices at large receiver this offseason, as he put collectively 4 robust seasons with Cincinnati.
Suiting up in 12 video games final 12 months, he nonetheless reeled in 42 catches for 656 yards to associate with six touchdowns.
Earlier than that, he posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons because the No. 2 Bengals receiving possibility for Joe Burrow.
He added 18 catches throughout a run to the Tremendous Bowl through the 2021 season during which the Bengals in the end fell brief towards the Rams.
Within the large recreation, he broke by with 4 catches, 100 yards and two scores in a valiant effort.
There weren’t any definitive experiences connecting both the Jets or the Giants to Higgins, however at the least one defensive again on Gang Inexperienced expressed curiosity in bringing the Bengals wideout to the Meadowlands.
Two-time All-Professional Sauce Gardner replied to a fan on X in January, saying the crew ought to look to “Calvin Ridley & Tee” Higgins in free company.
After Garrett Wilson, the Jets didn’t have a receiver that even eclipsed the 400-yard mark in 2023, as Allen Lazard completed a disappointing first season in New York with simply 23 catches and 311 yards.
Tight finish Tyler Conklin was second on the crew in receiving yards with 621.
The Giants, who didn’t have a receiver attain 800 yards this season, have been seen as among the many most closely fits for Higgins, in line with Sports activities Illustrated.
