Tee Higgins set to not join Bengals anytime soon amid dicey contract standoff

Tee Higgins is likley to be ineligible to participate in the Bengals’ organized team activities until he signs a contract. 

Tee Higgins set to not join Bengals anytime soon amid dicey contract standoff

Tee Higgins (Image via IMAGO)

Contrary to what Joe Burrow wants, it appears the Cincinnati Bengals’ star wide receiver Tee Higgins will not be seen in an orange and black jersey in the upcoming NFL season. The reason being, the unresolved contract situation and his reluctance to sign the franchise tag tender. 

A source close to ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Monday that Higgins still hasn’t signed the franchise tag tender and is unlikely to do so by next week. This would make the star receiver ineligible to participate in the Bengals’ organized team activities until he signs a contract. 

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The wideout would also be absent from the team’s mandatory minicamp set for June 11-13. This significant move by Higgins is a conclusion of the frustration he had been feeling since the Bengals put a franchise tag on him at the start of the offseason, which even made him request a trade. 

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The Bengals and Higgins haven’t been able to come to a satisfactory extension deal, which has been in talks for over a year now. Previously, Schefter also reported that the star wideout has become disappointed in his team for hanging the contract talks since March 2023. That’s why, Higgins is “ready to move on to a new home.” 

Even though the wideout is ready to embrace his other options in the league, his first preference remains to be the Bengals. Last month, while talking to FOX 19, Higgins anticipated playing for them in 2024 as he has grown to love Cincinnati. 

Joe Burrow backs Tee Higgins amidst the contract situation

While the contract situation remains unresolved, the Bengals star quarterback Joe Burrow previously expressed his support for Higgins for seeking the new deal, along with defensive end Trey Hendrickson who is also eligible for an extension. 

Joe Burrow wants the Bengals to extend Tee Higgins' contract amid heavy talks around his exit
Tee Higgins (5) and quarterback Joe Burrow (9) with NBC sideline reporter Melissa Stark (Image via IMAGO)
I support them in every way. Both those guys have earned everything that has come to them and more. I'll support them all the way through it.
Joe Burrow told the reporters in early May

Both the offensive and defensive player had requested a trade from the Bengals due to their unresolved contract situation. Earlier in January, Burrow spoke on behalf of the Bengals’ locker room wanting Higgins back.

He also emphasized his importance in the team. However, until the Bengals offer a long-term deal, his presence in the 2024 season remains a question.

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