Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (5) takes the field for the first quarter of the NFL Week 18 game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025.

Reports: Bengals seek long-term deal for WR Tee Higgins, but could tag him

The Cincinnati Bengals are trying to work out a long-term contract with wide receiver Tee Higgins but are willing to use a franchise tag again for the 2025 season, according to multiple media reports on Monday.

The window to place a franchise tag is Feb. 18 to March 4. Higgins, 26, played out his one year as the team’s designated franchise player, which paid him $21.8 million in salary. The franchise tag in 2025 would guarantee $26.18 million — the average of the top five salaries for wide receivers last season.

Reports on Monday said that the Bengals, if necessary, will buy more time to negotiate a contract extension by placing a non-exclusive tag on Higgins. He will be able to negotiate with other clubs, but a team that signs him is required to compensate Cincinnati with two first-round draft picks, a steep price.

Once the Bengals tag Higgins, they would have until July 15 to work out a contract extension or the one-year deal becomes permanent.

Cincinnati also is weighing giving an extension to star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, 24, to keep the tandem together, as well as considering the future of defensive end Trey Hendrickson, 30, the NFL sack leader (17.5) last season. Both Chase and Hendrickson are four-time Pro Bowl selections and were first-team All-Pro in 2024.

The Bengals selected Higgins in the second round (33rd overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft.

He started nine of the 12 games he played last season and totaled 73 receptions for 911 yards and a career-high 10 touchdowns. He also played only 12 games (11 starts) in 2023 because of hamstring issues. For his career, Higgins has 330 receptions for 4,595 yards and 34 TDs in 70 games (62 starts).

–Field Level Media

Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown (30) is stopped short of the end zone by Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper (0) on a carry in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 17 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Denver Broncos at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. The Bengals took a 30-24 win in overtime to remain in the post season chase.

Bengals RB Chase Brown, WR Tee Higgins questionable vs. Steelers

Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown and wide receiver Tee Higgins are listed as questionable to play on Saturday night in the season finale against the host Pittsburgh Steelers.

Brown has failed to participate in practice both days this week while nursing an ankle injury. Higgins is dealing with ankle and knee ailments.

The Bengals (8-8) need to beat the Steelers (10-6) and have the Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins lose their respective games in order to qualify the playoffs.

Brown sustained a right ankle injury late in the fourth quarter in Cincinnati’s 30-24 overtime victory over the visiting Broncos last Saturday. He ran 5 yards but hurt himself when he intentionally slid at the 1-yard line in an attempt to keep the clock moving. After his injury stopped the clock, Joe Burrow ran it in for a score on the next play with 1:29 left in the game.

The Broncos then scored the tying touchdown with eight seconds to play, and Khalil Herbert took Brown’s place in the backfield.

Brown, 24, has rushed for 990 yards and seven touchdowns. He also has 54 receptions for 360 yards and four scores.

On Thursday, the Bengals signed running back Kendall Milton off the practice squad. He will join Herbert and Trayveon Williams on the roster behind Brown.

Higgins, 25, is coming off his best performance of the season. He reeled in 11 catches for 131 yards and three touchdowns against the Broncos, including the winning 3-yard scoring strike in overtime.

Higgins has 69 catches for 858 yards and 10 touchdowns this season.

Cincinnati defensive end Sam Hubbard has been ruled out with a knee injury, while tight end Drew Sample (groin), wide receiver Charlie Jones (groin), cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (ankle) and offensive tackle Amarius Mims (ankle, hand) are deemed questionable for Saturday’s game.

–Field Level Media

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) walks for the locker room after the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 13 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. The Steelers won 44-38.

Bengals’ Joe Burrow: ‘Have I told you I bought a Batmobile?’

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is going to need a superhero-like performance in order to change the narrative of his team’s season.

Perhaps that’s the reasoning for Burrow’s latest purchase.

Burrow shelled out $2.99 million to buy one of 10 officially licensed and fully functional Batmobiles that are sold by Wayne Enterprises Experiences. The Pro Bowl quarterback revealed the news in a conversation with wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins during the premiere episode of HBO’s “Hard Knocks: In Season with the AFC North” on Tuesday.

“Have I told you I bought a Batmobile?” Burrow told the duo during a practice last week. “I don’t get it for like a year, but I bought one.”

Burrow, however, admitted that he likely will be on the hook for additional purchases with the car. Quite naturally, he’ll also need the proper attire.

“I think I gotta go all-in and go for like the expensive batsuit,” Burrow told Chase.

Burrow, who turns 28 next week, leads the NFL in touchdowns (30) and passing yards (3,337).

The Bengals (4-8), however, have lost three in a row and are on the brink of missing the playoffs for the second straight season.

–Field Level Media

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (5) runs in for a touchdown after a catch during the second half of an NFL football game at Huntington Bank Field, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, in Cleveland, Ohio.

Bengals WR Tee Higgins (quad) to return vs. Chargers

Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins is expected to return from a three-game absence Sunday night when Cincinnati visits the Los Angeles Chargers.

Head coach Zac Taylor said Friday that he anticipates having Higgins in the lineup after he was a limited participant in practice this week due to a quad injury.

While Higgins is expected back, Taylor said “we’ll see” when asked if four-time Pro Bowl left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. will play on Sunday. Taylor said the team will make a decision within the next 24 hours on Brown, who has missed the last two games with knee and fibula injuries.

Defensive end Trey Hendrickson was not spotted at practice for the second straight day on Friday. Thursday’s absence was listed as a neck injury/rest day for the 29-year-old Hendrickson, who leads the NFL with 11 sacks.

Higgins, 24, has 29 receptions for 341 yards and three touchdowns played in five games (three starts) this season.

Cincinnati selected Higgins in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He has 286 receptions for 4,025 yards and 27 TDs in 63 career games (56 starts).

Brown, 28, has missed the past two games after starting the first eight this season, his second with the Bengals.

A third-round pick by Baltimore in 2018, he has started 100 of 106 games for the Baltimore Ravens (2018-20), Kansas City Chiefs (2021-22) and Bengals.

–Field Level Media

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (5) talks with his teammates as the Bengals face the Philadelphia Eagles during the NFL Week 8 matchup at Paycor Stadium Sunday October 27, 2024. Higgins missed the game due to an injury.

Bengals WR Tee Higgins (quad) doubtful for ‘TNF’ vs. Ravens

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins is poised to miss his third straight game with a quad injury.

Higgins did not participate in Wednesday’s walkthrough ahead of Thursday night’s game against AFC North rival Baltimore and is listed as doubtful.

However, offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr. (knee/fibula) is listed as questionable after being listed as a limited participant the past two days.

Higgins sustained the injury at practice two weeks ago and was inactive for the past two games.

The 25-year-old has played in five games (three starts) and has 29 receptions on 45 targets for 341 yards and three touchdowns.

Cincinnati selected Higgins in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He has 286 receptions for 4,025 yards and 27 TDs in 63 career games (56 starts).

Brown has missed the past two games after starting the first eight this season, his second with the Bengals. A third-round pick by Baltimore in 2018, he has started 100 of 106 games for the Ravens (2018-20), Kansas City Chiefs (2021-22) and Bengals.

Defensive tackle B.J. Hill (rib) is also listed as questionable.

–Field Level Media

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (5) talks with his teammates as the Bengals face the Philadelphia Eagles during the NFL Week 8 matchup at Paycor Stadium Sunday October 27, 2024. Higgins missed the game due to an injury.

Bengals WR Tee Higgins, OT Orlando Brown Jr. doubtful vs. Raiders

Cincinnati wide receiver Tee Higgins could miss his second straight game and four-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle Orlando Brown also is doubtful for Sunday’s home game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Bengals coach Zac Taylor said Friday.

Both Higgins (quadricep) and Brown (knee/fibula) missed three consecutive days of this week. Wideout Charlie Jones sustained a groin injury on Thursday and missed practice on Friday, with Taylor listing him as questionable against the Raiders (2-6).

Higgins injured his quad at practice last week and was inactive for the game against the Philadelphia Eagles as the Bengals fell to 3-5.

The 25-year-old has played in five games (three starts) and has 29 receptions on 45 targets for 341 yards and three touchdowns.

Cincinnati selected Higgins in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Clemson. He has 286 receptions for 4,025 yards and 27 TDs in 63 games (56 starts).

Brown, 28, has started all eight games this season, his second with the Bengals. A third-round pick by Baltimore in 2018, he has started 100 of 106 games for the Ravens (2018-20), Kansas City Chiefs (2021-22) and Bengals.

–Field Level Media

Oct 20, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (5) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second half against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Bengals WR Tee Higgins inactive vs. Eagles

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins is inactive for Sunday’s game against the visiting Philadelphia Eagles.

Higgins was added to the injury report on Friday as questionable after sustaining a quad injury in practice.

Andrei Iosivas and rookie Jermaine Burton likely will see more playing time opposite star Ja’Marr Chase with Higgins out on Sunday for the Bengals (3-4).

Higgins, 25, has 29 catches for 341 yards and three touchdowns in five games (three starts) after missing the first two contests due to a hamstring injury.

Safety Daijahn Anthony, defensive end Cedric Johnson, tight end Tanner McLachlan and defensive tackle Jay Tufele also are inactive for the Bengals.

As for the Eagles (4-2), tight end Dallas Goedert, quarterback Tanner McKee, cornerback Eli Ricks and offensive linemen Mekhi Becton and Trevor Keegan were listed as inactive.

–Field Level Media

Oct 20, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (5) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second half against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Bengals WR Tee Higgins (quad) questionable vs. Eagles

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins is listed as questionable to face the visiting Philadelphia Eagles this weekend after sustaining a quad injury in practice on Friday.

Higgins was the lone member of the Bengals (3-4) listed as limited during Friday’s practice session on the injury report.

Andrei Iosivas and rookie Jermaine Burton likely would see more playing time opposite star Ja’Marr Chase should Higgins sit out on Sunday.

Higgins, 25, has 29 catches for 341 yards and three touchdowns in five games (three starts) after missing the first two contests due to a hamstring injury.

He has topped 1,000 yards in two of his four full seasons with Cincinnati. He is making $21.8 million on the franchise tag this season after he and the Bengals could not agree on a long-term extension.

Higgins has 286 receptions for 4,025 yards and 27 touchdowns in 63 career games (56 starts) since being selected by Cincinnati in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Clemson.

–Field Level Media

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) stretches during training, Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, at the Kettering Health Practice Fields outside of Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.

Despite contract impasse, Ja’Marr Chase active for Bengals

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, locked in a protracted contract dispute with the team, will play in Sunday’s opener against the visiting New England Patriots.

He had been listed on the team’s injury report as questionable due to illness.

Chase had said he would be the one to decide whether he would suit up against the Patriots, and he decided to, even though ESPN reported Sunday morning that the Bengals and Chase were unable to come to a contract agreement before game day.

The contract stalemate kept Chase on the sidelines for training camp and the preseason, and he just returned to practice on Wednesday. His usage against the Patriots likely will be low and limited to key plays, such as third down or in the red zone, since he did not have the opportunity to work himself into top game shape.

Chase is seeking a contract extension along the lines of his former LSU teammate Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings. Jefferson reset the market with a four-year, $140 million contract ($35 million per season) that eclipsed the $32 million per year Philadelphia Eagles wideout A.J. Brown receives.

Amon-Ra St. Brown signed a four-year deal worth $30.002 million per year with the Detroit Lions, and the Dallas Cowboys finally paid CeeDee Lamb’s asking price — four years, $136 million with $100 million guaranteed — last month to bring his offseason holdout to a close.

Chase caught 100 passes for 1,216 yards and seven touchdowns last season. He’s scheduled to play on the final year of his four-year rookie contract — at a base salary of $1.055 million — and has a fifth-year team option worth $21.8 million for 2025.

The No. 5 pick in the 2021 draft, Chase has 268 catches for 3,717 yards and 29 touchdowns in 45 games with Cincinnati.

While Chase is available to play, the Bengals listed the following players as inactive: wide receivers Tee Higgins and Kendric Pryor, defensive end Cedric Johnson, offensive tackle Amarius Mims, tight end Tanner McLachlan and defensive tackle Kris Jenkins Jr.

As for the Patriots, they listed wide receiver Javon Baker, quarterback Joe Milton III, linebacker Curtis Jacobs, guard Sidy Sow, defensive tackle Eric Johnson and tackles Zachary Thomas and Demontrey Jacobs as inactive.

–Field Level Media

Nov 5, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (5) reacts after advancing the ball against the Buffalo Bills in the second half at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

Bengals place franchise tag on WR Tee Higgins

The Cincinnati Bengals used their franchise tag on Tee Higgins on Monday, guaranteeing the wide receiver $21.816 million in the 2024 season.

Higgins, 25, was set to hit free agency next month at the end of a four-year, $8.68 million rookie deal he signed as a 2020 second-round pick. The Bengals had until March 5 to tag him.

“Tee has done an outstanding job for us since we drafted him,” coach Zac Taylor said in a statement. “I’m glad that he’ll continue to be a big part of our offense and our team.”

The sides have until July 15 to reach a long-term deal.

Higgins caught 42 passes for 656 yards and five touchdowns in 12 games (11 starts) in 2023 after posting back-to-back 1,000-yard campaigns in 2021-22. He has 257 receptions for 3,684 yards and 24 TDs in 58 games (53 starts).

The $21.816 million is the leaguewide franchise tag amount for wide receivers in 2024.

–Field Level Media