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The Cincinnati Bengals and huge receiver Tee Higgins have been gridlocked in contract negotiations all through the offseason, and it seems they will not conform to a brand new deal.
Per NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, the Bengals and the 25-year-old wideout won’t attain an extension earlier than Monday’s deadline. Higgins reportedly requested a commerce earlier than signing his franchise tender (a one-year, $21.816M deal) in June, so this might result in extra pressure between each events.
The Bengals may franchise tag Higgins once more subsequent offseason. Nonetheless, he could be due a minimal 20% increase in his 2024 wage, that means he’ll in all probability enter free company in 2025.
Of the eight gamers who signed the franchise tag this offseason, Higgins is the one one who did not signal an extension, via CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan and Garrett Podell.
Vikings wideout Justin Jefferson — a three-time Professional Bowler — just lately signed a four-year, $140M deal, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback within the NFL. In consequence, WR costs have skyrocketed. Spotrac initiatives Higgins’ market worth is a five-year contract value $19.7M yearly.
Higgins regressed barely final season, which can dissuade the Bengals from giving him an enormous contract. In 12 games last season, he set profession lows in receptions (42), receiving yards (656) and landing catches (5).
To be honest to Higgins, he battled rib and hamstring accidents, doubtless contributing to his dip final season. Extra importantly, Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow needs him to stay with the group.
Per Geoff Hobson of the team website, Burrow just lately stated, “[Higgins and edge-rusher Trey Hendrickson] have earned the whole lot that has come to them and extra.”
Not signing Higgins to a long-term deal carries danger for the Bengals. If Higgins indicators elsewhere subsequent offseason, that may doubtless upset Burrow. Nonetheless, Cincinnati could present him the cash if he rebounds in 2024.
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