The Cincinnati Bengals can breathe a sigh of relief as wide receiver Tee Higgins has officially signed his franchise tag, setting the stage for his return to the team for the upcoming season. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Higgins inked the tag on Saturday, ensuring his presence at the Bengals' training camp.
Higgins' signing comes just two days after the Bengals wrapped up their three-day mandatory minicamp, an event Higgins missed while his tag remained unsigned. This latest move ends a period of uncertainty for the fifth-year receiver, who had been absent throughout the offseason program.
Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow expressed confidence in Higgins' return, noting their continued communication and the possibility of a workout before the camp starts in late July. "Tee and I are always talking," Burrow said. "I've seen Tee several times this offseason. He looks great. Whenever he's ready to come back, I'll be excited to see him."
The franchise tag secures Higgins a $21.8 million salary for the 2024 season. Though the team can negotiate a long-term contract with him until July 15, the odds of reaching an agreement appear slim.
Higgins, a second-round pick from Clemson in 2020, has been a pivotal figure in the Bengals' offense, racking up 3,684 receiving yards and 24 touchdowns over his first four seasons. Despite battling rib and hamstring injuries last season, which limited him to 12 games, Higgins still managed to post 656 yards and five touchdowns.
His fellow wide receiver, Ja'Marr Chase, also seeks a new contract extension. Chase, a three-time Pro Bowler, missed much of the offseason program but attended the mandatory minicamp, though he was a limited participant.
The Bengals aim to bounce back after a challenging 2023 season. A wrist injury to Burrow in Week 11 derailed their campaign, leading to a missed playoff spot for the first time since 2020. With Higgins back in the fold, Cincinnati hopes to regain their AFC North champion form and make a strong playoff push.
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