Report: Bengals' Higgins not expected to sign long-term deal during season

A day after the Cincinnati Bengals reportedly signed quarterback Joe Burrow to the richest contract in league history, receiver Tee Higgins is unsure when his new deal will arrive.

The two sides are unlikely to reach a long-term deal during the season, a source told ESPN's Ben Baby. Higgins said he's uncertain if extension talks will heat up ahead of the Bengals' season opener against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.

"I have no clue," Higgins said. "My job is to come in every day and do what I do best - work and catch the ball from No. 9."

He added, "As a competitor, I want to play the game and also set myself up for the future."

The 24-year-old wideout is entering the final year of his rookie contract. He's set to earn $2.9 million as a base salary in 2023, according to Spotrac. The Bengals can place the franchise tag on Higgins next offseason to keep him on the roster for an additional year. The franchise tender for wide receivers is projected to be $22.9 million in 2024, per Over the Cap.

On Thursday, Cincinnati rewarded Burrow with a record-setting $275-million contract that features $219.1 million guaranteed. The Bengals will also be eligible to sign star wideout Ja'Marr Chase to a lucrative extension next offseason.

Higgins has been a reliable target for Burrow in the passing game through his first three seasons in the league. The Clemson product has hauled in 215 receptions, 3,028 yards, and 19 touchdowns since being selected in the second round of the 2019 draft. He also posted back-to-back 1,000-yard campaigns over the past two seasons.

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