Bengals WR Tee Higgins says he wants to stay in Cincinnati 'hopefully, most of my career'
PHOENIX – Bengals receiver Tee Higgins says he hasn't talked to the front office about a contract extension, but if Higgins had it his way, he would stay in Cincinnati.
"I love Cincinnati," Higgins told Paste BN Sports at Super Bowl 57 Radio Row at the Phoenix Convention Center on Wednesday. "I plan to be there, hopefully, most of my career."
Higgins is entering the final year of his rookie contract and is eligible for an extension this offseason. The Bengals said they want to keep Higgins — he turned in his second consecutive 1,000-yard season — but it will come down to money. According to NFL.com, the Bengals are expected to offer quarterback Joe Burrow a long-term deal this offseason.
"I'm here with Cincinnati making an impact, so at the end of the day, I feel like I belong to be in those conversations," Higgins said, referring to elite receivers in the game. "We got unselfish guys on our team and that's all you can ask for when you got more than two weapons on an offense."
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If he doesn't stay in Cincinnati, Higgins is confident he can "make an impact on any team." And he's a hot commodity: "(Jaguars running back) Travis Etienne had posted something on Instagram, saying he wants me there. A few guys have texted me."
Bears quarterback Justin Fields told Paste BN Sports it would be "awesome" if Chicago could land a receiver of Higgins' caliber.
"We are actually a part of the same agency. I see him work out in the offseason once every year," Fields said. "Great player, great size, great receiver. He's just really smooth. Of course, the thing he can do on the outside with the jump ball and route running. He's an awesome player for sure."
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When speaking to Paste BN Sports on Tuesday, Bengals receiver Ja'Marr Chase admitted that it was going to be hard to keep him and Higgins together.
"It would be nice for Tee (Higgins) to be on the same side with me still as long as we can go," Chase said. "Somebody later down the line is going to have to do something for us to have this team stay together."
Chase said Higgins is "a great receiver, man. He's an outstanding guy."
"Tee is ridiculous," he said. "He can run routes. He can go up and get it, the acrobatic catches. He made some plays this year that I've never seen."