One of the major headlines surrounding the Cincinnati Bengals this offseason was Tee Higgins and his expiring contract. Higgins was due for a new contract this offseason. However, given the Bengals’ current and upcoming contracts, a new deal was hard to reach.
As a result, the Bengals decided to place the franchise tag on Higgins for this season. The wide receiver decided to play on this tag, but a hamstring injury prevented Higgins from playing in Week 1.
With Higgins set to make his 2024 debut in Week 3, some are wondering if a new contract is on his mind right now. The Bengals wide receiver had a professional response to that question, saying that he’s not viewing this season as an “audition” for a higher payday.
“I don’t really look at it that way,” Higgins said when asked about the situation, per ESPN’s Ben Baby . “I’ve just got to go out and be me and play my game, and the rest will take care of itself.”
Higgins and the Bengals were unable to reach an agreement on a new contract this offseason. Keeping Tee in Cincinnati is the ideal outcome, but the front office is hesitating due to their rising salary bill.