Bengals WR Tee Higgins expects to play for Cincinnati in 2024 after requesting trade

It appears that Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins is content staying in Cincinnati after all — at least for the time being.

Higgins stated on Sunday that he believes he will be playing with the Bengals in 2024.

“I do anticipate it,” Higgins told WLWT at a youth football camp about remaining with the Bengals. “I’ve grown a love for Cincy that I didn’t think I would, but, you know, man, looking forward to it.”

The Bengals placed the franchise tag on Higgins on Feb. 26 in hopes of working out a deal. However, by March 11, Higgins had requested a trade.

But, now that the dust has seemingly settled, Higgins expects to stay in Cincy for 2024, so fans can take a sigh of relief knowing there is a mutual interest in keeping one of Joe Burrow‘s favorite targets.

The 2023 season didn’t go exactly as planned, with Higgins missing a total of five games due to injuries (including Weeks 10-12 due to a hamstring injury). Higgins recorded 42 receptions for 656 yards and five touchdowns — all career lows. Injuries aside, the 25-year-old still has plenty to give, and after spending four years with the Bengals, his stats show it. Throughout his career, Higgins has 257 receptions for 3,684 yards and 24 TDs. Those numbers will continue to rise as Higgins returns healthy and gets at least one more year with Burrow, who is rehabbing an injury himself.

Bengals executive vice president Katie Blackburn most recently spoke about negotiations with both Ja’Marr Chase and Higgins and emphasized how the front office is taking its time to find a way to make it all work.

The Bengals still have a lot to do to ensure Higgins remains content, yet their patient strategy has so far transitioned the wide receiver from requesting a trade to anticipating his stay in Cincinnati.