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Bengals Make Huge Tee Higgins Contract Decision: Report

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Michael Curran | Last updated Feb 17, 2025 3:23 PM ET

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins was likely going to be the most sought after NFL free agent this offseason at any position and certainly among wide receivers.

However, new reporting from Sports Illustrated's James Rapien on Monday afternoon revealed the team's plans to avoid letting the star receiver hit the open market. The Bengals are planning on placing the non-exclusive franchise tag on Higgins for the second consecutive year.

Beginning Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET, NFL franchises have until the same time on March 4 to place tags on an eligible player. Rapien's new report says the Bengals will do just that, keeping Higgins in Cincinnati for at least one more season.

This time around, however, the team is also expected to sign Higgins to a long-term deal, it just may not happen before that March 4 deadline.

Retaining the star wideout arguably the top priority for the Bengals this offseason as the team tries to provide star quarterback Joe Burrow with the necessary pieces to get back to competing atop the AFC.

Burrow has been vocal for months about the team re-signing Higgins to a long-term deal. The pair connected 73 times last season for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns despite Higgins playing in only 12 games due to injury. Now, it looks like the pairing will continue.

Next, the Bengals will need to ensure they retain arguably the best wide receiver in football, Ja'Marr Chase, as his contract is up after next season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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