Cincinnati Bengals' Tee Higgins Holds Out for New Deal

As the 2023 NFL offseason progresses, the future of Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins remains uncertain. He is the only player who was given the franchise tag this offseason and has yet to agree to a new deal. The situation has raised questions about his potential departure from the team.

Having not even signed his franchise tender, Higgins is currently ineligible to report for OTAs. With the deadline for reaching a new deal set for July 15th, it begs the question of how likely it is for an agreement to be reached.

Financial Considerations

The decision to place the franchise tag on Higgins, one of the best No. 2 wideouts in the league, was well understood. However, the impending payday for Higgins may pose a challenge for the Bengals, given their financial commitments to other players. With Joe Burrow's status as the highest-paid quarterback in the league and the looming Ja'Marr Chase extension, the team's financial flexibility is a concern.

Even Higgins' teammates are unsure about the team's ability to meet his financial expectations. Bengals wideout Andrei Iosivas expressed uncertainty, stating, "I'm not sure if they can pay Tee. He'll probably get a lot of money."

Trade Request and Contract Projections

Reports have surfaced indicating that Higgins has requested a trade, although he also mentioned his anticipation of playing for the Bengals in 2024. Projections suggest that Higgins is in line to sign a multi-year deal averaging $19.7 million a year, with the potential for an even higher average in his eventual new contract.

Impressive Career Stats

Higgins' performance on the field has been notable, with back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving campaigns in 2021 and 2022. His career receiving yards of 3,684 rank sixth-most through four NFL seasons in Bengals franchise history.

Speculation and uncertainty loom over the future of Tee Higgins with the Bengals. As the clock ticks towards the July deadline, the hope remains that a positive step will be taken, such as Higgins signing his franchise tender.