Bengals helmet Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

There has been a lot of drama surrounding Cincinnati Bengals star wide receiver Tee Higgins this offseason as the team used their franchise tag to keep Higgins on the roster for the 2024 season only to have Higgins request a trade from the team a few weeks later. But despite all the uncertainty, it sounds like Higgins has decided that he will play for the Bengals this season.

During an interview this weekend, Tee Higgins made it clear that he does expect to play for the Bengals this season despite requesting a trade from the team a few weeks ago.

“I do anticipate it,” Higgins said according to a video from Charlie Clifford of WXIX-TV. “I’ve grown a love for Cincinnati that I didn’t think I would. [I’m] looking forward to it.”

The Bengals and Higgins have until July 15 to negotiate a more long-term contract to keep him in Cincinnati, but if the two sides do not come to an agreement then Higgins will remain with the team for the 2024 season on a franchise tag.

The one-year, fully guaranteed franchise tag would pay Higgins $21.8 million if the two sides do not come to a separate agreement on a contract by the deadline.

[Charlie Clifford]