Throughout the season, speculation has swirled around the future of Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins as he approaches the end of his rookie contract.
Despite a challenging 2023 season plagued by injuries, Higgins remains a coveted asset in the NFL market.
Limited to just 12 games due to rib and hamstring issues, Higgins’ production dipped with 42 receptions for 656 yards and five touchdowns, marking a career low. Nonetheless, his potential departure has stirred interest among teams eyeing reinforcements in the receiving department.
The Kansas City Chiefs and Carolina Panthers have emerged as potential suitors for Higgins. The Chiefs, in particular, are in need of an elite target to complement Rashee Rice and Travis Kelce.
Despite grappling with drop issues among their receiving corps last season, the Chiefs clinched the Super Bowl. Adding a talent like Higgins to their arsenal could elevate their offensive prowess, creating headaches for opposing defenses.
Similarly, the Panthers are seeking to bolster their offensive weaponry, especially to support quarterback Bryce Young. With a lackluster receiving corps comprising Adam Thielen, DJ Chark Jr., and Jonathan Mingo last season, the Panthers recognize the importance of securing a true number one receiver like Higgins to aid Young’s development and improve offensive efficiency.
Speculation has also swirled regarding the Bengals’ intentions with Higgins. There are talks of the team considering applying the franchise tag on him for the 2024 season.
According to Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic, the Bengals are expected to place the franchise tag on Tee Higgins this offseason. That would keep him in town for at least one more season.
This move would offer Higgins a one-year guaranteed contract worth $20.7 million, providing the Bengals with the option to match any competing offers and receive substantial compensation if Higgins were to depart.
Looking ahead, the Bengals could opt to tag Higgins again in 2025, albeit at a higher cost of 120 percent of the previous year’s salary, amounting to $24.8 million. This strategy aligns with the team’s financial planning, considering quarterback Joe Burrow‘s contract extension.
With Burrow’s cap hit set to increase significantly in the coming seasons, allocating a portion of his cap space towards Higgins’ contract seems a prudent move for the Bengals.
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