The Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins doesn’t seem to be interested in playing on a franchise tag in 2024. Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that Higgins asked the Bengals to trade him after the extension talks between the two sides stalled.
Higgins was out of contract following the 2023 season, but the Bengals decided to place a franchise tag worth $21.8 million on him in order to prevent him from hitting free agency. The team was also expected to engage in extension talks with the player, but that is yet to happen.
According to Schefter, Higgins “loves Cincinnati” and has “hoped to be with the team long term.” However, being disappointed that the Bengals haven’t engaged in any contract negotiations with him since March 2023, Higgins is “now ready to move on to a new home.”
It is unclear whether Cincinnati will entertain trading Higgins. General manager Duke Tobin publicly stated that the team wants him back in 2024, and the franchise tag shows that. However, the Bengals are also reportedly unlikely to give him a new contract, at least not the one he would like, considering they also need to give a new contract to star wideout Ja’Marr Chase, who is extension-eligible this offseason.
Additionally, Higgins’ market might not be as robust as he might expect. He is coming off a down year that saw him struggle with injuries and have his worst season as a pro. Higgins finished the season with 42 catches for 656 yards and five touchdowns.
