NFL Rumors: Bengals’ Tee Higgins Not Expected to Sign Franchise Tag Contract for OTAs

Andrew PetersMay 21, 2024

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Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins has not signed his franchise-tag contract tender and is not expected to by next week, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

If Higgins does not sign the tender by next week, he will be ineligible to participate in the Bengals’ organized team activities. He cannot be with the team until he signs the franchise tag.

The report comes amid frustration from Higgins over the franchise tag the Bengals placed on him at the beginning of the offseason. Just weeks after he was given the tag, Higgins requested a trade, though the Bengals reportedly have “no plans” of dealing him to another team.

Had he not been franchise-tagged, Higgins would have entered free agency this offseason. Instead, he will make $21.8 million this season if he remains in Cincinnati.

While he has been frustrated over the franchise tag, Higgins said in April that he expects to be with the Bengals in 2024. How the two sides will work things out remains the question.

Joe Danneman @FOX19JoeTee Higgins spoke briefly at a camp.

Higgins on if he anticipates playing for Bengals this coming season (interview was ended after that question by event organizers to get him on the field):

“I do anticipate it. I’ve grown a love for Cincy I didn’t think I would. pic.twitter.com/Q0QfeqZ0Ac

After back-to-back 1,000-plus-yard seasons, Higgins had just 656 yards and five touchdowns last season while limited to just 12 games with injuries. The Clemson product has shown plenty of potential and when healthy can be a nightmare defensively.

The offensive core of Joe Burrow and receivers Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase led the Bengals to a Super Bowl appearance in 2021 and the group seems capable of more success, but this offseason could throw a wrench in Cincinnati’s plans.