Reports: Bengals WR Tee Higgins to sign $21.8M franchise tag

The Cincinnati Bengals expect wide receiver Tee Higgins to sign his franchise tag on Saturday and show up to training camp next month, according to multiple media reports.

Higgins will make $21.8 million in 2024, far eclipsing the $10.1 million he's earned in the four years since the Bengals selected him No. 33 overall in the 2020 draft.

Now, the Bengals will have some time to try to work out a long-term extension with Higgins before July 15. They also have their other starting receiver, Ja'Marr Chase, due for an extension and huge payday.

Higgins, 25, hasn't take part in any offseason activities, including the recently concluded three-day mandatory minicamp.

Quarterback Joe Burrow said he's eager to start throwing to Higgins again.

"Tee and I are always talking," Burrow said, per ESPN. "I've seen Tee several times this offseason. He looks great. Whenever he's ready to come back, I'll be excited to see him."

Higgins was limited by hamstring and rib injuries in 2023, forcing him to miss five games. Still, he caught 42 passes for 656 yards and scored five touchdowns.

In a Bengals uniform, Higgins has appeared in 58 regular-season games (53 starts) and caught 257 passes for 3,684 and 24 touchdowns.

He has added 457 yards and three scores in seven playoff games.

--Field Level Media