The NFL season news cycle never seems to stop.
The Cincinnati Bengals are taking proactive steps to retain one of their key players as they prepare for the upcoming NFL season.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that the Bengals have opted to utilize the franchise tag on wide receiver Tee Higgins, with the tag amount estimated to be approximately $21.8 million.
RELATED: Joe Burrow Allegedly Spotted Out to Dinner With Aaron Rodgers
While the Bengals are known for their cautious approach to finances, they recognize the value Higgins brings to the team and are unwilling to let him walk away in free agency without securing compensation. By employing the franchise tag, they buy themselves time to negotiate a long-term contract with Higgins. Alternatively, they have the option to trade him or retain his services for the 2024 season while continuing negotiations for an extension into the following year.
Despite missing some games last season, Higgins made significant contributions to the Bengals’ offense, tallying 42 receptions for 656 yards and five touchdowns. His consistent performance, including consecutive seasons with over 70 catches and 1,000 yards in 2021 and 2022, has been instrumental in the Bengals’ success, culminating in a Super Bowl 56 appearance in the former year.
Selected as a second-round pick in the 2020 draft, Higgins, alongside Ja’Marr Chase, has formed a formidable receiving tandem, bolstering the Bengals’ offensive prowess. Their combined efforts, coupled with quarterback Joe Burrow’s leadership, have elevated the Bengals into contention as one of the AFC’s top contenders after a five-year postseason drought from 2016 to 2020.
Throughout his career, Higgins has amassed impressive statistics, totaling 257 receptions for 3,684 yards and 24 touchdowns, solidifying his status as a crucial asset for the Bengals’ offense.
