Cincinnati Bengals Elite Wide Receiver set for one final run in 2024

After signing a superstar quarterback to a monster contract totaling $275 million, the Cincinnati Bengals are finally feeling some of the pressure caused by the league’s salary cap. Each of the past two seasons, this legitimate AFC prospect has lost its best defensive player, including All-Pro safety Jessie Bates III in 2023 and now talented nose tackle DJ Reader in 2024. Unfortunately for this rising franchise, the pressure is no longer as on . A critical point has not yet been reached and tougher times may arrive sooner than expected.

Cincinnati Bengals Wide Receiver signs franchise tag, but fans have to tamper with expectations

While a team with limited salary can rarely celebrate positive news, Cincinnati claimed a big win when superstar receiver Tee Higgins finally signed his franchise tag. It had certainly been a tumultuous offseason up to that point, with Higgins stirring up some serious drama and practically begging the team for a legitimate extension. While the team may have locked down the Clemson product for another season, these two sides appear no closer to a compromise than they were at the start of the offseason.

Higgins was a dominant force for the Bengals during his tenure in a short career with 257 catches for 3,684 receiving yards and 24 touchdowns. Higgins has emerged as one of the top targets in the NFL and is an excellent target for Burrow as he prepares for an MVP campaign.

It seems unlikely that the two sides will reach a compromise, as the two sides reportedly separate more than $7 million per season. Higgins reportedly wants a contract similar to the one Indianapolis Colts receiver Michael Pittman signed earlier this season, which amounts to approximately $24 million per season. Cincinnati director of player personnel Duke Tobin is reportedly only interested in bringing back the standout receiver for around $17 million per season. While that may seem like a relatively small amount, Higgins is asking for well over 50% more than what Cincinnati is currently willing to pay.

There has been some discussion among experts that Higgins could pull a second franchise tag tender next season, but given the rules that require consecutive franchise tags to include at least a 20% pay increase, that would make Higgins more than $200,000 by 2025 generate $25 million. that will be in the throes of contract negotiations with his other elite receiver Ja’Marr Chase, and that will likely be way too much money to even open negotiations on.

While he may be a fan favorite, with “Tee” chants echoing through the stadium every time he touches the ball, the Cincinnati faithful may have to accept that this upcoming season will be Higgins’ last season in orange and black will be.

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