Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

Bengals Set the Record Straight on Tee Higgins to NFL Teams

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sean Treppedi | Last updated Mar 6, 2025 12:45 PM ET

The Cincinnati Bengals placed their franchise tag on wide receiver Tee Higgins for the second straight season this week.

The team stated that they did so "with the intent of continuing to work toward a long-term deal in Cincinnati" with Higgins.

Despite that announcement, The Athletic's Dianna Russini has reported that several teams reached out to the Bengals after they used the franchise tag on Higgins to explore a potential trade. However, they were informed that "the receiver remains unavailable as the Bengals continue to pursue a long-term deal."

If Higgins and the Bengals can't come to an agreement by the July 15 deadline, Higgins will earn $26.2 million for the 2025 season.

ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported on Monday that "the two sides at this time are not close to a long-term deal... On the open market, Tee Higgins would command north of $30 million per year."

Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio reported that the Bengals will be challenged to transform the $26.2 million in 2025 that will lead straight into free agency into a long-term deal.

"They’ll need to make him an offer with guarantees that extend beyond this year; the Bengals typically avoid that," Florio writes. "Even if they’re willing to fully guarantee at least two years of compensation, the dollars will not be insubstantial. Higgins can always say, “no thanks,” take his cash for 2025, and go to the highest bidder in 2026.

Cincinnati also has the handful of securing contract extensions for wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase, who is in line to earn more than any other non-quarterback in the NFL, and defensive end Trey Hendrickson—both of which are entering the final year of their current contracts.

In 12 games this season, Higgins posted 73 receptions, 911 yards and a career-best 10 touchdowns.

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

More must-reads: