Tee Higgins Anticipates Staying with Bengals in 2024 amid NFL Trade, Contract Rumors

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins, who reportedly issued a trade request after being franchise-tagged, told reporters he anticipates being back with the team in 2024.

"I do anticipate it," Higgins said when asked if he felt he'd be back in 2024. "I've grown a love for Cincy that I didn't think I would, but I'm looking forward to it."

Higgins made the remarks at a youth football camp in Loveland, Ohio, on Sunday, per Fletcher Keel of WLWT 5.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler noted Sunday that the Bengals have made it clear they do not plan on trading the wideout:

Higgins' tag is worth $21.8 million fully guaranteed. He can still avoid the tag by signing a long-term extension with the Bengals by July 15. Failing that, Higgins will stick with the Bengals this season.

Higgins, a 2020 second-round pick out of Clemson, has caught 257 passes for 3,684 yards and 24 touchdowns in his first four seasons. He's posted a 31/457/3 stat line in seven playoff games.

Rib and hamstring ailments held Higgins to just 12 games in 2023, and he finished with 42 receptions for 656 yards and five scores.

Still, Higgins has been one of the best WR2s in football at his best, to the point where he could easily be a No. 1 wideout elsewhere.

If he stays healthy and maintains his high level of production, then Higgins will strike it rich when his tag expires. Whether it's with Cincinnati or elsewhere remains to be seen.