Tee Higgins set for free agency following extension snag with Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals and Tee Higgins couldn’t agree on terms for a long-term contract extension. Therefore, the 2024 season could be Higgins’ final season with the team.

Higgins and the Bengals couldn’t agree to a contract extension before this weekend’s deadline. The former Clemson standout signed his franchise tag with the team earlier this season, so he’ll play. But it’s going to be for this only season.

Higgins is poised to test the market, where he’ll likely be one of the most sought-after players in free agency.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on the news on the Cincinnati wide receiver and his contract status Sunday.

It has appeared evident for some time, but for clarity:

The #Bengals and star WR Tee Higgins will not do an extension by Monday’s deadline. He’s signed his franchise tag, he’ll play on it, then be one of the top free agents in the 2025 offseason. pic.twitter.com/kO8omw8Gol

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 14, 2024

Drafted in 2020 out of Clemson, the 6-foot-4 Higgins missed the first round by a pick, going 33rd overall to the Bengals that season. Higgins was a member of the team’s vaunted 2020 draft class, including franchise quarterback Joe Burrow and Logan Wilson, who signed a long-term extension with the team last year.

In 58 career games, Higgins has 257 career receptions, 3684 receptions, and 24 career touchdowns. In the 2021 playoffs, Higgins caught six passes for 103 yards in the Bengals’ AFC Championship Game victory over Kansas City. He scored two touchdowns in Super Bowl LVI, a game in which the Los Angeles Rams defeated them.

Higgins has 31 career playoff receptions, 457 yards, and three touchdowns.

Expect plenty of teams to be in on the talented Higgins when he hits the market. The Bengals were probably always likely to part ways with either Higgins or Ja’Marr Chase, and the aftermath of their decision will likely affect the franchise’s short-term future and success.

[Ian Rapoport]