Tee Higgins makes feelings known about Bengals future amid $21,800,000 WR's looming contract extension 

Tee Higgins has been a constant presence for the Cincinnati Bengals ever since they drafted him in the second round in 2020. And as he enters free agency for the second time in his career, he already knows what will happen.

Speaking to the press on Wednesday, the two-time thousand-yard receiver, who is on a $21.8-million franchise tag, said:

"It's my third time going through it. I kind of know what to expect, how negotiations work. Obviously it's gonna be a little different because possibly I could make a little bit more money. Hopefully that's the case."

He further indicated that if he were to re-sign, then it would have to be on a big-money deal with no discount:

"I can make a little bit more money, Hopefully that's the case. Like I said, I'm just going to talk with my agent."

Higgins, who recently hired teammate Ja'Marr Chase's agent to represent him, is currently on track for his best performance since 2022, with 60 receptions for 858 yards and a career-best eight touchdowns.

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Tee Higgins opens up on Steelers game, Joe Burrow's advocacy

Unless Tee Higgins and the Bengals reach an agreement on a new contract, then Saturday's do-or-die game at the Pittsburgh Steelers may be his last in the orange-and-black. However, he is not letting that notion dwell in his mind:

"I'm doing the same thing I've been doing all year. It's just preparing to play my best on Saturday. If that's what it is, then that's what it is."

He also discussed Joe Burrow's advocacy of him, having been called "a need" by his quarterback. And he relished the support he received:

"I love it. A guy like him saying that about me is a good feeling. It means a lot. He's my brother at the end of the day. He's my brother and friend first. I went up to him after that and was like, 'I appreciate it.' He sees my value."

Meanwhile, Burrow reiterated his desire to keep Tee Higgins beside him:

"Whenever a great player leaves, you wish you could have found a way to keep them. You don't want to make a living out of letting great players leave the building. I think that's why you you got to do everything you can to get those deals done early."

Kickoff for the Bengals-Steelers game is at 8 PM EST.