Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) and injured Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins talk with their teammates during the NFL Week 8 matchup against Philadelphia Eagles at Paycor Stadium Sunday October 27, 2024. The Bengals lost 37-17 and remain winless at home.

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Bengals WR Tee Higgins to enter free agency post 2024 season

Tee Higgins eyes his future beyond Cincinnati as injuries raise questions

Right now, the franchise-tagged star is focused on getting back on the field after a second round of missed games this season due to another soft-tissue injury.

Looking toward next offseason, ESPN’s Matt Bowen and Jeremy Fowler recently ranked Higgins as the top upcoming free agent and hinted that a long-term deal may be unlikely.

He’s finishing this season under the franchise tag, and the general belief is that he’ll find a much more lucrative contract on the open market than he might secure in Cincinnati. This was the thought at the season’s outset, and 10 weeks in, that outlook remains unchanged.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler on Tee Higgins:

“There's little to no chance Higgins is in Cincinnati beyond 2024. People I've talked to feel pretty strongly about that, barring a major surprise.”

Should the #Commanders pursue Tee Higgins in free agency next year? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/rEZK6ySmaY
— brandon (@JayDanielsMVP) November 14, 2024

From Fowler:

“There’s little to no chance Higgins is in Cincinnati beyond 2024. People I’ve talked to feel pretty strongly about that, barring a major surprise. A second franchise tag would cost the Bengals around $26.2 million on a one-year rental.”

“Higgins wanted out of Cincinnati last offseason, and the Bengals will likely allocate resources for a Chase contract. Higgins will have a strong market because of the number of receiver-needy teams and Higgins’ WR1 traits.”

Signs have pointed to an end for Tee Higgins in Cincinnati

Before the season started, Higgins acknowledged that 2024 might be his final year in the black-and-orange.

“This could be the last ride for me and the guys. You never know,” Higgins said as training camp opened. “… I want to keep putting smiles on people’s faces, especially our fans. I grew a love for the city I didn’t think was going to happen. Love the fans. They embrace me. I hope to put on a show for them this year.”

Higgins has been a solid contributor for the Bengals this season—whenever he’s managed to be on the field. In five games, he’s totaled 29 receptions, racking up 341 yards and three touchdowns.

Unfortunately, he’s also missed five out of Cincinnati’s 10 games this season due to hamstring and quad injuries. Durability has been a lingering question for Higgins throughout his career, and this season hasn’t exactly silenced those concerns.

This might be part of Cincinnati’s hesitation to offer a long-term contract. Still, his talents will no doubt attract plenty of suitors once the offseason arrives. For now, fans hope Higgins can recover soon to keep delivering memorable performances in Cincinnati, just as he planned.

Image: © Cara Owsley/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Tee Higgins

Tee Higgins free agency

Natasha Bose

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