Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins acknowledges that 2024 might be his final season with the team.
“This could be the last ride for me and the guys,” Higgins stated, according to team reporter Geoff Hobson. “You never know.”
Higgins cited uncertainty as a factor in his decision to sign his franchise tag.
“Instead of holding out and waiting and just watching from afar, I’d rather be in the mix with the guys and grind it out with them,” Higgins said. “That’s how I’ve always been.”
The 25-year-old is the only one of the nine franchise-tagged players not to sign a long-term extension or be traded this offseason. Higgins reportedly requested a trade in March due to the lack of progress on a new deal but expressed a desire to remain in Cincinnati.
“I had time to reflect and think,” the 6-foot-4, 219-pound receiver said. “I had long talks with my agent. … At the end of the day, I just wanted to come out here and try to win a Super Bowl. I’m happy with the decision I made. I’m here for the Bengals for the 2024 season. I’m ready to get it done and get with my guys.”
Higgins has been a significant part of the Bengals’ passing offense since being selected 33rd overall in the 2020 draft. He recorded over 900 yards in each of his first three seasons, including consecutive 1,000-yard campaigns in 2021 and 2022.
However, Higgins struggled to match that production last season. The Clemson product appeared in only 12 games due to injury, finishing the season with 656 yards. Higgins said he focused on his body this offseason with the aim of staying healthy throughout the year.
“I haven’t been through a season injury-free,” Higgins said. “I’m looking forward to that this year. I changed a lot of things about how I prepare my body, what I put inside my body, my recovery work. I’m actually treating my body like a pro.”
Higgins has accumulated 3,684 yards and 24 touchdowns on 257 receptions over 58 career games.
