Bengals and Tee Higgins Fail to Reach Contract Extension Before Deadline

The wide receiver will play the 2024 season on the franchise tag, eyeing free agency in 2025.

Tee Higgins signed his franchise tag, ensuring a $21.8 million salary for 2024.
The Bengals have not negotiated with Higgins on a contract extension in over a year.
Higgins requested a trade earlier in the offseason but ultimately signed the tender.
Cincinnati faces financial challenges in extending both Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase long-term.
Higgins' performance in 2024 will be crucial for his market value entering free agency.