Tee Higgins is expected to be at Cincinnati Bengals training camp as the wide receiver signs his franchise tender, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and the Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Inquirer.
Higgins reportedly asked to be traded in March when contract negotiations were going nowhere. But a month later, the 25-year-old said he “anticipated” playing for the Bengals during the 2024 NFL season.
The Bengals used the franchise tag on Higgins in February rather than allow him to test the free agent market.
Now that he has signed his tender, Higgins and the Bengals have until July 15 to reach a deal or Higgins will play next season on a 1-year contract worth $21.8 million.
A long-term pact seems unlikely, however, with Schefter considering such an outcome a “remote possibility” as negotiations have not taken place for over a year.
Higgins is the only player of the eight who signed to a franchise this offseason who did not sign a multi-year contract.
Higgins has thrived since joining the Bengals in 2020 as a second-round rookie out of Clemson. In four seasons, he averaged 64 receptions, 921 yards (14.3 yards per reception) and six touchdowns per season. He is one of quarterback Joe Burrow’s favorite targets and part of one of the NFL’s top receiving corps alongside perennial Pro Bowler Ja’Marr Chase.
