Bengals' Tee Higgins delivers a message that will disappoint several other teams
All signs have pointed towards the Cincinnati Bengals holding on to wide receiver Tee Higgins for the 2024 season. They placed the franchise tag on Higgins back in February, and despite the 25-year old wideout subsequently requesting a trade, Cincinnati had operated as if Higgins will be on the roster this season. For the first […]
All signs have pointed towards the Cincinnati Bengals holding on to wide receiver Tee Higgins for the 2024 season. They placed the franchise tag on Higgins back in February, and despite the 25-year old wideout subsequently requesting a trade, Cincinnati had operated as if Higgins will be on the roster this season.
For the first time in weeks, it seems as if both sides are back on the same page.
Tee Higgins comments on future with Bengals
Higgins, who hosted his annual youth football camp Sunday in nearby Loveland, OH, gave an answer to whether or not he anticipates playing in Cincinnati this upcoming season.
"I do anticipate it," Higgins answered. "I've grown a love for Cincy that I didn't think I would, but [I'm] looking forward to it."
This is the first public comment Higgins has made about his upcoming season since requesting a trade from the Bengals. The club and Higgins' representation reportedly haven't discussed a long-term extension since the tag was used on February 26.
Higgins could've given a non-answer to the question, and instead made it known he expects to stay a Bengal for the time being. That's a notable update to all teams hoping to acquire Higgins via a trade.
It was already unlikely for the Bengals to trade Higgins to an interested club. Cincinnati is not known for dealing away star players, no matter how unlikely it is for both sides to reach an agreement on a new contract.
The Bengals have always held the leverage in this specific scenario, and Higgins must know that.
Higgins and his camp have been pushing for a long-term contract that the Bengals do not seem interested in giving him, but the team still values him greatly for this season. It's why they're set to pay him over $20 million as their franchise player.
Higgins clearing the air with his statement puts even more leverage in the Bengals' favor. Any team still hoping to deal for him may have to start looking at other options.
Bengals WR Tee Higgins seemingly puts an end to potential trade to Titans during this offseason
He thinks he will stay put.
