Source - Bengals place franchise tag on WR Tee Higgins - ESPN

The Cincinnati Bengals have placed the franchise tag on wide receiver Tee Higgins, a source told ESPN on Monday.

The deadline for teams to use the franchise or transition tag is March 5.

In January, quarterback Joe Burrow said he expected Higgins, who like Burrow was drafted in 2020, to be back with the Bengals in 2024.

«It's no secret, our relationship,» Burrow said. «I expect Tee to be back. I think that's the sentiment in the locker room. We all want Tee back.

»We know what kind of player he is. We know what kind of person he is. He's what being a Bengal is all about."

Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase have provided Burrow one of the NFL's top wide receiver tandems. Chase, who was drafted with the fifth overall pick of the 2021 draft, is eligible for a contract extension this offseason.

Higgins, 25, had 42 catches for 656 yards and five touchdowns in 12 games last season. He battled injures to his hamstring and ribs last season.

In four seasons, Higgins has 257 catches for 3,684 yards and 24 touchdowns in 58 games. In seven postseason games, he has 31 receptions for 457 yards and three touchdowns.

The news was first reported by NFL Network.