NFL Insider Shares Blunt Take on Tee Higgins’ Future With Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals and wideout Tee Higgins did not agree to terms on a long-term deal ahead of Monday's 4:00 p.m. ET deadline, meaning the receiver is set to play the 2024 NFL season on the franchise tag.

Higgins, 25, will earn $21.8 million this year while under the franchise tag.

Considering the sizable contract he's expected to receive as a free agent in 2025 - or what he could make as a second-year tag recipient - NFL insider Adam Schefter suggested Monday that he doesn't expect Higgins to remain a Bengal after this season.

"Tee Higgins was the only player to be franchise tagged this offseason who didn't get a long term deal..." Schefter said on The Pat McAfee Show.

"In all probability he'll leave Cincinnati after this season."

A 1,000-plus-yard receiver in 2021 and 2022, Higgins took a step back in 2023 while dealing with injuries and inconsistent quarterback play in Cincinnati.

In 12 appearances (11 starts) last season, the former second-round pick caught 42 passes for 656 yards and five touchdowns.

The Bengals will open the 2024 NFL season at home against the New England Patriots on Sept. 8.

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