With the salary cap for the 2024 NFL season increased to $255.4 million, the Cincinnati Bengals had enough room to offer wide receiver Tee Higgins the franchise tag. It gives the team one more season with one of their top wideouts. However, as the offseason progressed, Higgins requested a trade rather than signing the tag.
However, multiple news outlets confirmed that Higgins signed the franchise tag worth $21.8 million. This means that the fifth-year player from Clemson will report to the Bengals' training camp, which starts next month. He and the Bengals could also work on a contract extension before the 2024 season starts.
Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins is signing his franchise tender today, per source. pic.twitter.com/6JWCExH1MP
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 15, 2024
Higgins missed five games last season due to rib and hamstring injuries. He suffered the rib injury in Week 4 against the Tennessee Titans, forcing him to miss their Week 5 game versus the Arizona Cardinals. Meanwhile, his hamstring injury forced him out of action in Weeks 10 to 12. He reaggravated the injury, making him sit out their season finale.
Missing several games led to career lows in receptions (42), receiving yards (656), and touchdowns (5) for Higgins. He’s coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2021 and 2022, plus 908 yards in his rookie season.
With Higgins returning at least for 2024, the Bengals will consolidate their offense with him and returning quarterback Joe Burrow. Together with Ja’Marr Chase, Jermaine Burton, and running back Zack Moss, their presence should help the Bengals have more bite in competing for a playoff spot.
-Lance Fernandez