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The Cincinnati Bengals want to keep Tee Higgins, but he doesn’t seem to be on the same page with them.
Zac Taylor has repeatedly talked about his desire to keep him on board for the long run, but both sides continue to be far apart on a contract extension.
Higgins acknowledged that he’s likely going to be forced to play on the franchise tag before hitting free agency in 2025.
According to a report by Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer (via ProFootballTalk), the offer the Bengals made him “never approached” the $20 million per year range, which is why his brass didn’t even discuss guaranteed money.
Report: Bengals’ offer to Tee Higgins “never approached” $20 million a year. https://t.co/9mirMPiDW6
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) April 30, 2024
The report adds that it’s been more than a year since both parties last talked.
The franchise tag gives Higgins $21.8 million, which is fully guaranteed for the upcoming campaign.
The report states that he wants something close to what Michael Pittman, Terry McLaurin, and Deebo Samuel are making, which is close to $23 million per season.
That sounds reasonable for a 25-year-old rising star with a history of being reliable and productive.
He’s had two 1,000-yard seasons for the organization, totaling 257 receptions for 3,684 yards and 24 touchdowns in four years since entering the league as a second-round pick, and that’s despite sharing touches with Ja’Marr Chase and Tyler Boyd.
Higgins posted career lows due to an injured rib last season, hauling in just 42 receptions for 656 yards and five scores.
Even so, he could get plenty of money in free agency, and the Bengals might consider trading him before letting him walk away.
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