Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins has signaled his intention to stay with the team for the upcoming 2024 season, putting an end to speculation about his future amid contract negotiations.
In a statement made to reporters during his youth football camp on Sunday, Higgins expressed his anticipation of playing for Cincinnati in the coming season. The fifth-year wideout had previously requested a trade after the Bengals placed the franchise tag on him earlier in the offseason.
Bengals franchise-tagged wide receiver Tee Higgins, who requested to be traded last month, anticipates playing for Cincinnati in
2024, he told reporters Sunday at his youth football camp.Story via @Ben_Baby:https://t.co/El7YcI9V88
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 14, 2024
“I do anticipate it," Higgins affirmed, as reported by WXIX-TV. “I"ve grown a love for Cincinnati that I didn"t think I would. [I"m] looking forward to it."
Higgins’ decision comes after two years of contract negotiations between him and the Bengals, during which they were unable to reach a long-term agreement. Despite this, the Bengals remained committed to retaining Higgins for the 2024 season, evident in their use of the franchise tag.
Last season, Higgins faced setbacks due to injuries, including a rib injury in Week 4 and a hamstring issue ahead of Week 10, which caused him to miss a total of five games. His performance also saw a decline, with career lows in catches, receiving yards, and touchdowns.
However, the Bengals’ faith in Higgins remains strong, offering him a fully guaranteed one-year deal worth $21.8 million under the franchise tag. Negotiations for a long-term contract can continue until July 15, offering both parties a window to reach a more permanent agreement.
Higgins is among the few players who have tagged this offseason yet to secure a contract extension with their respective teams, alongside Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. Among their peers, players like Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. have recently inked lucrative deals, highlighting the ongoing negotiations across the league.
Despite his contract status"s uncertainty, Higgins’ on-field performance speaks volumes. With over 3,600 receiving yards since entering the league in 2020, he remains one of the top talents from his draft class, poised to make a significant impact for the Bengals in the upcoming season.
