Tee Higgins Provides Major Update On His Future With Cincinnati Bengals As Trade Rumors Heat Up

Star wide receiver Tee Higgins has provided a significant update on his future with the Cincinnati Bengals as trade rumors ramp up.

The Bengals placed the franchise tag on Tee Higgins ahead of free agency, ensuring that he couldn’t hit the open market. The big-bodied receiver reportedly requested a trade soon after, but it appears as though he’ll be returning to the AFC North club for at least one more season.

Per Charlie Clifford of WLWT, Higgins told reporters that he expects to suit up for the Bengals again in 2024 when asked about his future with the team:

“We’ll see, I do anticipate it. I’ve grown a love for Cincy that I didn’t think I would, but (I’m) looking forward to it.”

The Bengals don’t usually pay top dollar to retain star players, though quarterback Joe Burrow is an obvious exception. The club traded standout running back Joe Mixon to the Houston Texans in a cap-saving move earlier this offseason, and they let two-time 1,000-yard wideout Tyler Boyd walk to free agency.

Boyd remains unsigned, and owner Mike Brown eventually has to pay No. 1 receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who’s eligible for a contract extension.

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Also Read: RUMOR: AFC Team Named As Possible Trade Suitor For Cincinnati Bengals Star Wide Receiver Tee Higgins

Bengal.

See you in the Jungle, Tee Higgins! pic.twitter.com/Y1Zw0IkRBd

— Patrick Carey (@PatCareySports) April 14, 2024

If the Bengals don’t trade nor extend Higgins, he’ll play the 2024 season under the $21.8 million tag. In that case, Higgins would be eligible to enter free agency in 2025 next year.

Last season, Higgins caught 42 passes for 656 yards and five touchdowns in 12 games.

Tee Higgins Makes The Bengals Better In The Short-Term

The Bengals could get a pretty penny for Higgins on the trade market, but keeping him around makes them better in 2024. The 6-foot-4 Higgins has been the ideal No. 2 receiver for Burrow and Chase, and Boyd’s departure further strengthens Cincinnati’s need to keep No. 5 around for at least another year.

Not only is Higgins a two-time 1,000-yard wide receiver, but he’s also been money for the Bengals in the postseason. In seven career playoff games, he has 31 receptions for 457 yards and three receiving touchdowns.

Also Read: REPORT: 5 NFL Teams Have Interest In Signing Former Bengals Superstar WR Tyler Boyd