One of many greatest query marks of the Cincinnati Bengals’ offseason seems to be heading towards a decision.
Bengals huge receiver Tee Higgins anticipates taking part in for Cincinnati in 2024, he informed reporters at his youth soccer camp Sunday. Higgins, who’s coming into his fifth yr within the league, had requested a commerce earlier within the offseason after Cincinnati positioned the franchise tag on him.
“I do anticipate it,” Higgins mentioned, in accordance with video posted by WXIX-TV. “I’ve grown a love for Cincinnati that I did not assume I might. [I’m] wanting ahead to it.”
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For the previous two years, Higgins and Cincinnati have been unable to return to phrases on a long-term contract. The 2 sides made little progress forward of a 2023 season that noticed Higgins battle accidents.
A rib damage he suffered in Week 4 and a hamstring problem forward of Week 10 compelled Higgins to overlook 5 mixed video games final yr. He completed with 42 catches for 656 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns, which had been all profession lows.
Regardless of the contract deadlock, the Bengals continued to worth Higgins for the upcoming yr. Ought to Higgins signal the franchise tag, he can have a completely assured one-year deal at $21.8 million. The 2 sides can negotiate a long-term deal till 4 p.m. ET on July 15.
Of the eight gamers given the franchise tag this offseason, Higgins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers security Antoine Winfield Jr. are the one ones who’ve but to conform to a contract extension with their respective golf equipment.
That group contains Indianapolis Colts huge receiver Michael Pittman Jr., who signed a three-year contract final month that features $41 million in assured cash.
Pittman ranks fifth in receiving yards (3,662) by a participant chosen within the 2020 NFL draft. Higgins, who was taken one spot forward of Pittman with the No. 33 choose, is fourth in his draft class at 3,684 receiving yards.
The three gamers forward of Higgins — the Minnesota Vikings’ Justin Jefferson, Dallas Cowboys’ CeeDee Lamb and San Francisco 49ers’ Brandon Aiyuk — have additionally but to obtain contract extensions. All had been first-round picks and are beneath contract for the 2024 season by way of the fifth-year rookie possibility.
