A source tells Adam Schefter that Higgins will sign his franchise tag on Saturday. By signing the tag, the fifth-year wide receiver is now anticipated to attend training camp.
The new development came two days after the Bengals completed a three-day required minicamp. Higgins missed the whole off-season program because the tag remained unclaimed.
Earlier this week, Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow said he has been in communication with Higgins since the conclusion of last season and welcomes the opportunity to throw with him before training camp starts in late July.
“Tee and I are always talking,” Burrow said. “I have seen Tee numerous times this offseason. He looks fantastic. I’ll be thrilled to see him when he’s ready to return.”
Higgins is expected to earn $21.8 million this season under the tag. He and the Bengals may still negotiate a long-term contract until July 15, but the probability of that happening is slim.
Higgins, a 2020 second-round selection from Clemson, has contributed significantly to Cincinnati’s offense. In his first four seasons, Higgins accumulated 3,684 receiving yards and 24 touchdowns.
Higgins had rib and hamstring ailments last year. He appeared in 12 games and had 42 catches, 656 yards, and five touchdowns.
Higgins isn’t the only Bengals wide receiver seeking a hefty contract deal. Ja’Marr Chase, a three-time Pro Bowler, is also seeking a new contract. Chase also skipped practically the whole offseason program. While he attended the mandated minicamp, he only participated for three days.
The Bengals want to come back after a poor 2023 season. Burrow sustained a season-ending wrist injury in Week 11, and Cincinnati, the two-time AFC North winners, missed the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
