NFL media insider Ian Rapoport reported that the Cincinnati Bengals have informed wide receiver Tee Higgins that he will receive the franchise tag. The expected 2024 franchise tag salary for a wide receiver is $21.8 million. Higgins made $2.9 million in 2023 and $10.1 million during his four-year career.
The deadline for a player to receive a franchise tag is March 5.
What Does the Franchise Tag Mean for Tee Higgins?
Higgins will remain with the Bengals for next season on at least a one-year contract for the 2024 season. The wide receiver and team have until the middle of July to agree to a long-term deal. If an agreement is not reached, Higgins will play the season on a one-year deal.
Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin told the Cincinnati Enquirer in January that he wants Higgins back. Tobin said, “Everyone on our team would like to have Tee Higgins back. Again, there’s one pie and how big of a slice that takes and what else we can’t do because of it, we’ll have to determine and we’ll see.”
Higgins had 42 catches for 656 yards and five touchdowns in 12 games. He missed five games with rib and hamstring injuries this season. Higgins, who was selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, has 257 catches for 3,684 yards and 24 touchdowns in four seasons.
Quarterback Joe Burrow said in January that he would love to have the wide receiver return. Burrow said, “He’s a big part of what we have done here. It’s no secret our relationship. I expect Tee to be back. I think that’s the sentiment in the locker room. We all want Tee back. We know what kind of player he is. We know what kind of person he is. He’s what being a Bengal is all about. We’ll see, but I think we should have a good opportunity.”
Contract Status for Key Offensive Players
The Bengals’ offense has two key members as unrestricted free agents, starting offensive tackle Jonah Williams and wide receiver Tyler Boyd.
Bengals star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase is set to make $9.8 million in 2024, his fourth season in the league. He could be a candidate for a franchise tag next offseason if a long-term agreement is not reached. Chase has been named to the Pro Bowl every season during his career.
KEEP READING: 2024 NFL Top 100 Free Agent Rankings
Last September, Cincinnati signed Burrow to a five-year extension worth $275 million. He is expected to be ready for next season after having a wrist injury end his season in Week 11.
Running back Joe Mixon is not expected back next season — the Bengals will likely need to acquire one in free agency or the 2024 NFL Draft.
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