Despite requesting a trade earlier this offseason, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins expressed on Sunday that he expects to play for the team in the upcoming 2024 NFL season.
The Bengals had applied the franchise tag to Higgins in February with hopes of negotiating a contract extension. However, Higgins sought a trade in March. Since then, there hasn’t been any progress on the trade front, and Higgins has reconciled with the prospect of staying in Cincinnati.
Speaking at a youth football camp, Higgins shared his sentiments with reporters from WLWT, saying, “I do anticipate it. I’ve grown a love for Cincinnati that I didn’t think I would. [I’m] looking forward to it.”
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If Higgins agrees to sign the franchise tag, he will earn a fully guaranteed $21.816 million for the 2024 season. Both Higgins and the Bengals have until July 15 to work out a long-term extension.
The team faces the challenge of managing finances to retain both Higgins and fellow star receiver Ja’Marr Chase beyond the 2024 season. For the time being, Higgins seems prepared to remain with the team.
Last season was tough for Higgins, as he missed five games due to injury, managing 42 receptions for 656 yards and five touchdowns. Over his four-year tenure with the Bengals, covering 58 games, the 25-year-old has amassed 257 catches, 3,684 receiving yards, and 24 touchdowns.
