Tee Higgins Posts Cryptic IG Photo amid Bengals Contract Rumors: 'I Tell Em No'

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins, who requested a trade in March after being franchise-tagged, made a cryptic Instagram post that might have been referencing his current situation: "I tell em no, they can't wait to call me selfish…"

The IG post featured pictures of Higgins working out as well as him out at night.

In March, Cincinnati placed the franchise tag on Higgins, who has played all four of his seasons with the Bengals. The two sides still have until July 15 to reach a long-term agreement. Failing that, Higgins would have to play in Cincinnati on the tag, which is essentially a one-year deal worth $21.816 million.

Higgins has caught 257 passes for 3,684 yards and 24 touchdowns over his four NFL seasons. That stretch includes two 1,000-yard campaigns. He finished with 42 catches for 656 yards and five scores last season, as he missed five games due to injury.

The former Clemson star played an instrumental role in guiding the Bengals to an AFC title in 2021. He fared quite well in the playoffs, amassing 17 receptions for 299 yards and two touchdowns in his final three games. That included four catches for 100 yards and two touchdowns in the Super Bowl against the Los Angeles Rams.

Higgins and the Bengals are at an impasse on a new deal, but it's abundantly clear how much he means to this team. Losing him would be a tremendous blow to the Bengals, who have created a great big three with quarterback Joe Burrow, wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase and Higgins.

For now, it appears that the Bengals will have Higgins for at least one more season. Back in April, Higgins notably praised Cincinnati and said he thought he'd be playing with the team this year. But his future in 2025 and beyond is a giant question mark.