BREAKING: Brilliant Franchise-tagged WR Makes honest admission about his future with Bengals
Franchise-tagged wide receiver Tee Higgins, who previously expressed his desire for a trade this off-season, has now expressed his excitement about playing for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2024.
When asked if he will remain with the Bengals in the upcoming season, Higgins responded, “We’ll see. I do anticipate it. I have developed a newfound love for Cincinnati that I never expected. I am genuinely looking forward to it.”
Higgins shared these sentiments with reporters during his youth football camp in Loveland, Ohio, on Sunday. The Bengals utilized the franchise tag on Higgins in February, ensuring that they maintain contractual control over him for at least one more season.
As a second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Higgins would earn $21.8 million under the terms of the franchise tag. However, unless he reaches a long-term agreement with the Bengals, is traded, or is designated with the franchise tag again, he will become a free agent in the following off-season.
Bengals executive vice president Katie Blackburn stated in March that the team’s intention was to retain wide receivers Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase, along with quarterback Joe Burrow, but adjustments would be necessary to accommodate salary cap considerations.
Burrow, who signed a substantial $275 million contract in 2023, is currently under contract until 2029. Chase, the fifth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, is entering the final year of his rookie contract. As part of that agreement, he has a fifth-year option worth $21.8 million for 2025.
Blackburn expressed the team’s appreciation for these players and their desire to keep them on the roster. However, she acknowledged the need to operate within the constraints of the salary cap. The Bengals will need to evaluate how to navigate these circumstances and determine the best course of action to maintain a cohesive team.
Blackburn’s remarks followed Joe Burrow’s statement expressing his anticipation of playing with Tee Higgins in the upcoming 2024 season. Duke Tobin, the Director of Player Personnel, also voiced the Bengals’ desire to retain Higgins during February.
Tobin acknowledged Higgins’ talent and emphasized the team’s commitment to keeping him, stating that they have the necessary resources to do so. He further highlighted their appreciation for Higgins, recognizing that the Bengals are a stronger team with him on the roster.
Higgins, who is currently 25 years old, achieved over 1,000 receiving yards in both the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Despite missing four games due to hamstring and rib injuries, he recorded 656 yards and five touchdowns on 42 receptions in the previous season.
