Before the start of free agency, Tee Higgins reportedly requested a trade out of Cincinnati.
A month later, it looks like he's ready to suit up again for the Bengals.
The Bengals receiver spoke about his situation Sunday while speaking to reporters at a youth football camp.
Higgins said he is “hopeful” to play in Cincinnati next season. “I've developed a love for Cincy that I didn't expect. But yeah, I'm looking forward to it.”
That's far from a guarantee. But it's certainly encouraging for the Bengals and their fans as Cincinnati looks to get back into Super Bowl territory after an injury-plagued 2023 season.
The Bengals placed the franchise tag on Higgins before he became a free agent. Higgins said when the two sides failed to reach a long-term deal before the start of free agency on March 13. reportedly asked for a deal.. Since then, there have been no trades and no reports on the development of a long-term contract.
No new contract is expected. If Higgins plays for the Bengals next season, he will likely do so on a franchise contract and will be paid approximately $21.8 million. That's more than double the roughly $10.1 million he earned over four seasons on his now-expiring rookie contract. That's a lot of money to part with, and a powerful incentive not to try harder.
Higgins has continued to improve since joining the Bengals as a second-round rookie out of Clemson in 2020. He averaged 64 catches, 921 yards (14.3 yards per reception) and six touchdowns in four seasons. He is one of quarterback Joe Burrow's favorite targets and is one of the NFL's top receiving corps along with perennial Pro Bowler Ja'Marr Chase.
The Bengals revamped their offense and advanced to back-to-back AFC Championships in 2021 and 2022, ending a five-year playoff drought. They advanced to the Super Bowl following the 2021 season.
They finished 9-8 in 2023, but their season was derailed by multiple injuries, including one to Burrow, and they missed the playoffs. If Burrow returns healthy in the fall, expectations will be high again in Cincinnati. Higgins is a big part of those expectations.
