SO SAD: THIS IS THE END OF JOURNEY ‘TEE HIGGINS ’ CONFIRM TO LEAVE CINCINNATI BENGALS FOR…

The franchise tag that was placed on Higgins, however, is non-exclusive, which means he is still able to look for a deal with another team before July 15. There is speculation that Higgins will pursue contracts with other teams before settling on the franchise tag deal with the Bengals. A few suitors have been circulating which include the Carolina Panthers, Tennessee Titans, and the New England Patriots. If Higgins agrees to a deal with a new team, the Bengals will have five days to match the offer sheet or can refuse and be awarded two first-round picks as compensation.

Over the past few seasons, Higgins has established himself as one of the most consistent and reliable receivers in the NFL. After being drafted in 2020, Higgins has posted 257 receptions, 3,684 yards, and 24 touchdowns. Higgins suffered a ribs and hamstring injury in the 2023 season, which restricted him to only 12 games where he posted 42 receptions, 656 yards, and 5 touchdowns. The Bengals were plagued with injuries in the 2023 season, with notable names going down like quarterback Joe Burrow and offensive lineman Devin Cochran.

In 2023, Joe Burrow signed a five-year contract extension worth $275 million, which set the NFL record for the highest annual average salary. Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase is also set up to be one of the highest-paid players at his position.