The Cincinnati Bengals are prioritizing a long-term contract for wide receiver Tee Higgins, a goal that quarterback Joe Burrow has openly supported.

However, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Media, the team is “likely” to employ the franchise tag on Higgins for a second straight offseason if they cannot reach a contract agreement by the March 4 deadline.

In 2024, Higgins was tagged at $21.8 million, which entitles him to a 20-percent increase for the 2025 season. This means he could receive a fully guaranteed salary of $26.18 million for one year.

This extension would provide the Bengals until July 15 to negotiate a long-term agreement with Higgins.

If the Bengals allow him to enter free agency, Higgins is anticipated to be the top available player at his position.

Drafted in the second round in 2020, Higgins has achieved impressive stats with 330 receptions for 4,595 yards and 34 touchdowns throughout his career. In 2024, he recorded 73 catches for a personal best of 911 yards and 10 touchdowns.

At 26 years old, Higgins has faced injuries, resulting in him missing five games in each of the last two seasons.