NFL Rumors: Tee Higgins, Bengals Haven't Negotiated Contract 'in More Than a Year'

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins has yet to receive the long-term contract he's been hoping for, and it sounds like it won't be happening anytime soon.

According to ESPN's Ben Baby, Higgins and the Bengals "haven't had negotiations for a new contract in more than a year."

After receiving the franchise tag earlier this offseason, Higgins requested to be traded from Cincinnati. However, the 2020 second-round pick later said he intends to play for the Bengals in 2024. He skipped the start of the team's voluntary workouts, as did star receiver Ja'Marr Chase, who is also waiting to receive a new deal.

Baby pointed out that Higgins is the only player who has yet to receive a long-term deal after being franchise-tagged this offseason. Also, Higgins has yet to sign the franchise tender, which is worth $21.8 million.

The 25-year-old was limited to 12 games last season and posted 42 catches for 656 yards and five touchdowns. Prior to 2023, he recorded back-to-back 1,000-yard campaigns, but it doesn't seem like the Bengals are motivated to lock him up with an extension.

Baby noted that Cincinnati used the franchise tag on three players in the last 10 years, and none of them signed a long-term contract with the team. He wrote that things are "certainly trending that way" for Higgins this year.