Tee Higgins takes a drastic turnaround as he expects to play for the Bengals weeks after demanding a trade

Higgins had requested a trade in March after the Bengals had franchise tagged him.

Tee Higgins takes a drastic turnaround as he expects to play for the Bengals weeks after demanding a trade

Tee Higgins (Image via IMAGO)

There is hope for the Cincinnati Bengals. Tee Higgins, their star wide receiver, previously requested a trade due to contract negotiation issues. However, he recently expressed his desire to stay with the Bengals, signaling a change of heart.

Higgins, who was expected to hit free agency this offseason, has been franchise tagged by the Cincinnati Bengals which will allow him to make $21.8 million this season. The team’s front office seems to have had detailed discussions with Higgins in order to persuade him to at least hold off from being adamant about a trade this offseason.

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I do anticipate it, you know...I got love for Cinci that I didn't think but looking forward to it
Tee Higgins said via WLWT’s Charlie Clifford

His request for a trade came early in March as soon as the Bengals announced their intent to franchise tag him. However, the wide receiver seems to have understood it makes more sense for him to be a part of the Bengals because he shares great chemistry with Joe Burrow, the team has potential to be a Super Bowl contender, and most importantly, it seems unlikely that any other team in the NFL would be willing to pay him $21.8 million for one year.

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Tee Higgins played in just 12 games last season owing to injuries

The wide receiver has nothing to lose, he still has an option to test the waters in free agency next season. Worst-case scenario, even if the Bengals fail to make the Super Bowl, he gets paid. Best case scenario, he gets a ring and/or a long-term extension from the team.

Tee Higgins Bengals
Tee Higgins (Via Imago)

The 2023-24 NFL season was far from the ideal year for Higgins. He managed to have 656 receiving yards and five touchdowns in 12 games. He was unable to play through the rest owing to injuries. This comes after he had back-to-back years with 1,000+ yards, a feat he hopes to replicate in the next season.

This season was riddled with injuries for Cinci as they lost Burrow to an injury for the season. But despite this, the team managed to go 9-8.

This year, if Burrow and Higgins can stay healthy, considering Ja’Marr Chase, the Bengals will establish themselves as serious threats within no time. Statistically, they seem to be the only team in the NFL that act as the kryptonite against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. Will this be the year they beat the Chiefs yet again and win a Super Bowl? That is a possibility that cannot be denied.

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