Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins has had a change of heart since requesting a trade from the team earlier this offseason. Despite the initial trade request, Higgins expressed on Sunday that he is looking forward to playing for the Bengals in the upcoming 2024 NFL season.
In February, the Bengals placed the franchise tag on Higgins and had been working towards a contract extension for the star wide receiver. However, Higgins surprised many by requesting a trade in March.
As of now, there has been no movement on the trade front, and Higgins spoke to reporters at a youth football camp, stating, “I do anticipate it. I’ve grown a love for Cincinnati that I didn’t think I would. [I’m] looking forward to it.”
If Higgins decides to sign the franchise tag, he will be guaranteed $21.816 million for the 2024 season. Both parties will have until the deadline on July 15 to negotiate a long-term extension.
The Bengals will need to consider their salary cap situation in order to retain both Higgins and fellow star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase beyond the 2024 season. Despite his injury-shortened season in 2023, Higgins remains an integral part of the Bengals offense, with 257 receptions, 3,684 yards, and 24 receiving touchdowns in his four seasons with the team.
