One of the top receivers who was slated to become a free agent won’t even hit the open market this offseason.
The Bengals plan to use the franchise tag on Tee Higgins, keeping him under team control for at least one more season. NFL.com reported Friday night..
If the two sides are unable to agree on a long-term extension by March 5, the 25-year-old is expected to receive a fully guaranteed $21.8 million in 2024.
After four strong seasons in Cincinnati, Higgins would have been one of the top free agent options at wide receiver this offseason.
Last year, he played in 12 games and had 42 catches for 656 yards and six touchdowns.
Before that, he racked up back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons as Joe Burrow’s No. 2 Bengals receiving option.
During the 2021 season, the Bengals ultimately fell short against the Rams, but added 18 catches in their Super Bowl appearance.
In this important game, he made a brave effort and broke through with four catches, 100 yards, and two scores.
There have been no definitive reports involving either the Jets or Giants with Higgins, but at least one defensive back in Gang Green has expressed interest in bringing the Bengals wideout to the Meadowlands.
Two-time All-Pro Sauce Gardner responded to an X fan in January, saying the team should look at free agent “Calvin Ridley and Tee” Higgins.
After Garrett Wilson, the Jets did not have a receiver over the 400-yard mark in 2023, as Allen Lazard finished a disappointing first season in New York with just 23 catches and 311 yards.
Tight end Tyler Conklin was second on the team in receiving yards with 621.
The Giants, who had no receiver reach 800 yards this season, were considered one of the teams best suited for Higgins. According to Sports Illustrated.
