WR Tee Higgins acknowledges 'this could be the last ride' with Bengals

On Monday, Bengals owner Mike Brown hinted that the 2024 season could be wide receiver Tee Higgins' last with the team.

"You can't just pay people willy nilly," Brown said via Geoff Hobson of the team's website. "You're restricted on how much you can pay, and we really like Tee Higgins. We would wish to sign him, but it has to be at a certain level to fit within the cap or it can't be done."

The very next day, the former second-round pick acknowledged the same.

"This could be the last ride for me and the guys," Higgins stated , via Hobson. "You never know. 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. That's how I've always been."

Higgins was one of nine players who were franchise tagged this offseason, but he is the only one who didn't sign a long-term deal or was traded.

The 25-year-old did try to force his way out of Cincinnati in March, requesting a trade . However, the Bengals showed zero interest in entertaining his request.

As a result, Higgins opted to sign his one-year, $21.8 million tag despite wanting more security. It's a decision he is content with.

"I had time to reflect and think," Higgins added. "I had long talks with my agent. A lot of back and forth about what I wanted to do. I just made the decision to sign the tag. 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 will play a key role on offense once again as Cincinnati's No. 2 option opposite wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase.

He is coming off a down year in which he registered a career-low 42 catches for 656 yards and five touchdowns, but that came in 12 games while battling rib and hamstring injuries.

If Higgins can stay healthy in 2024, he can help the Bengals contend for their first Super Bowl championship while earning himself a well-deserved payday.