Tee Higgins not expected to report for Bengals OTAs

Feb 13, 2022; Inglewood, CA, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (85) against the Los Angeles Rams during Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Cincinnati Bengals are likely to be without one of their top players for their upcoming organized team activities (OTA) program.

Tee Higgins received a franchise tag from the Bengals this offseason. However, he is unhappy with the team and has not yet signed his tender. Until he does, he will not be allowed to join the team.

Bengals WR Tee Higgins still has not signed his franchise tender and is not expected to by next week, per source. This would make him ineligible to report back to the Bengals in time for their organized team activities next week. Higgins cannot rejoin the team until he signs. pic.twitter.com/RltfFRe5dh

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 21, 2024

Higgins has been requesting a trade from the Bengals, though the team has not honored it. He and the team have until July 15 to work out a contract extension. If they do not agree to one, then he will have the choice of either signing his 1-year tender with Cincinnati or sitting out the season.

Higgins had 42 catches for 656 yards and 5 touchdowns in 12 games last season. The former No. 33 overall draft pick has surpassed 1,000 yards receiving twice in four years.