Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins has officially signed his franchise tag for the upcoming season. This development comes after Higgins missed the entire offseason program while the tag remained unsigned. By signing the tag, the fifth-year wide receiver is now expected to be at training camp, which is crucial for his preparation for the upcoming season.
Contract Negotiations and Long-Term Deal
Higgins is set to earn $21.8 million this season under the franchise tag. While he and the Bengals still have until July 15 to negotiate a long-term deal, the likelihood of that happening seems slim. Despite the potential for a long-term contract, the focus for now is on Higgins’ participation in training camp and getting ready for the upcoming season.
Impact on Cincinnati Bengals Offense
As a 2020 second-round pick out of Clemson, Tee Higgins has been an instrumental part of Cincinnati’s offense. In his first four seasons, Higgins has accumulated impressive stats with 3,684 receiving yards and 24 touchdowns. Despite being hampered by injuries last year, Higgins still managed to put up solid numbers with 42 receptions, 656 yards, and five touchdowns in 12 games.
In addition to Tee Higgins, fellow Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase is also seeking a new deal. Chase, a three-time Pro Bowler, missed nearly the entire offseason program as well. While he did report for the mandatory minicamp, he was limited in his participation during all three days. The Bengals organization is facing the challenge of negotiating contracts for two key players in their receiving corps.
The Cincinnati Bengals are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2023 season. Quarterback Joe Burrow’s season-ending wrist injury in Week 11 was a significant blow to the team. As the back-to-back AFC North champions, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2020 was a setback for the Bengals. The return of Higgins and the potential resolution of contract negotiations for both Higgins and Chase will be crucial for the team’s success in the upcoming season.
Overall, the signing of Tee Higgins’ franchise tag is a significant development for the Cincinnati Bengals as they prepare for the upcoming season. With key players like Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase looking for new deals, the Bengals are facing important contract negotiations while also focusing on improving their performance on the field. The success of these negotiations and the health of their players will play a pivotal role in the Bengals’ ability to rebound from their previous season and return to playoff contention.