The Cincinnati Bengals and extensive 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 is not going to 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 pressure between each events.
The Bengals might franchise tag Higgins once more subsequent offseason. Nonetheless, 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 — not too long ago signed a four-year, $140M deal, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback within the NFL. Because of this, WR costs have skyrocketed. Spotrac tasks Higgins’ market worth is a five-year contract value $19.7M yearly.
Higgins regressed barely final season, which can dissuade the Bengals from giving him a large 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 needs him to stay with the group.
Per Geoff Hobson of the staff web site, Burrow not too long ago stated, “[Higgins and edge-rusher Trey Hendrickson] have earned all the things 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 may seemingly upset Burrow. Nonetheless, Cincinnati might present him the cash if he rebounds in 2024.
