Tee Higgins, a star wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals, will not be signing a long-term contract extension with the team before Monday's deadline. The deadline for players under franchise tags to sign multi-year deals is July 15, and Higgins will instead play out the one-year tag in 2024.
Higgins, who was drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft from Clemson University, has been a valuable asset to the Bengals since joining the team. He has produced impressive statistics over his first four seasons, with a total of 257 receptions for 3,648 yards (14.3 yards per catch) and 24 touchdowns.
However, Higgins had his worst statistical year in 2023 due to injury and the loss of quarterback Joe Burrow in Week 11. He finished the season with career-low marks of 42 receptions for 656 yards and five TDs.
Despite these statistics, Higgins remains a highly sought-after player in the NFL. With his impressive production and potential, it is likely that he will attract interest from other teams when he becomes a free agent after the 2024 season.
The Bengals have been trying to negotiate a long-term deal with Higgins for some time, but recent reports suggest that an agreement is unlikely due to the team's ongoing contract negotiations with Ja'Marr Chase. The deadline for these negotiations is fast approaching, and it remains to be seen whether the Bengals will be able to reach an agreement with either player before Monday.
Regardless of what happens, Higgins will report for training camp and play out the one-year tag in 2024. He is expected to be a key contributor for the Bengals this season, especially with Tyler Boyd leaving the team as a free agent.