The Cincinnati Bengals are working towards fulfilling quarterback Joe Burrow’s wish to keep wide receiver Tee Higgins in the fold for the long term. According to NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero, the Bengals are focused on finalizing a contract extension with Higgins, aiming to avoid the use of a franchise tag.
However, if a deal cannot be reached by the March 4 deadline, the Bengals are likely to tag Higgins for a second consecutive year, which would cost them $26.2 million (120% of last year’s salary). The window for placing the franchise tag opens on February 18, giving the team a limited amount of time to reach an agreement.
Bengals’ Franchise Tag Plans for Tee Higgins and Burrow’s Desire to Keep Him
If the Bengals are forced to place the franchise tag on Higgins, it would ensure his services for another season, unless a trade occurs. However, this move would not prevent the team from negotiating a long-term extension during the offseason. If the franchise tag is applied, the Bengals would have until July 15 to come to terms on a contract extension with Higgins. If no extension is agreed upon by that date, the tag would become permanent, and Higgins would remain on the franchise designation for the entire 2025 season.
Tee Higgins (NFL)Joe Burrow has been vocal about his desire to keep Higgins as a key part of the Bengals’ offensive core. As the team’s star quarterback, Burrow has repeatedly expressed his wish to maintain the strong connection he shares with Higgins. This support from Burrow has only added urgency to the Bengals’ efforts to lock down Higgins for the long haul. The quarterback’s backing highlights the importance of keeping the duo intact for continued success on the field.
Tee Higgins’ Impact on Bengals’ Offense and Concerns Over Injury History
Higgins, selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft alongside Burrow, has made an immediate and lasting impact on the Bengals. He has consistently posted impressive numbers, recording two 1,000-yard receiving seasons and surpassing 900 yards in all but one year.
In the most recent season, Higgins caught 73 passes for 911 yards and a career-high 10 touchdowns. His performance complements that of Ja’Marr Chase, making the Bengals’ receiving corps one of the most dynamic in the NFL. The duo’s synergy is a significant factor in the efficiency of Cincinnati’s offense.
While Higgins has been productive on the field, there are concerns regarding his ability to stay healthy. He has missed five games in each of the last two seasons, largely due to recurring hamstring issues. This injury history has raised some doubts about Higgins’ long-term availability, which may have hindered the Bengals’ willingness to commit to him earlier.
Nevertheless, the team appears to be listening to Burrow’s wishes and is making an effort to retain Higgins. His continued presence is crucial to the Bengals’ offensive success, and his availability for the long term would help maintain the team’s top-tier status in the league.
