Any breakdown of the upcoming 2024 NFL free agency class must include Cincinnati Bengals wideout Tee Higgins.
And it must also point out the big problems.
Higgins has had an incredibly slow start to his contract year, as emphasized by The Athletic’s Larry Holder:
“Of all the potential free-agent receivers, Tee Higgins may have raised the most red flags so far. Injuries, drops and lack of production have all plagued the Cincinnati Bengals’ No. 2 wideout.”
Through five games, Higgins has caught just 14 of his 36 targets for 149 yards and two scores. But eight for 89 and the two scores came in a single game and his tape is otherwise marred by some stunning drops, at least compared to what onlookers are used to seeing from him.
And while we can point to things like Joe Burrow’s calf injury hurting the offense too and a fractured rib eventually making things worse for Higgins, the reality is that none of this will stop him from making No. 1 wideout money if he hits the open market.
Now…if he doesn’t break out of this slump, that might change. But breakdowns are right to point out the issues so far and it continues to be worth wondering if the Bengals will consider a franchise tag next summer.
