Higgins hopes Bengals' core stays intact: I plan to be here awhile

Wide receiver Tee Higgins is hopeful the Cincinnati Bengals' core pieces will remain together despite multiple members approaching the end of their rookie deals.

"Hopefully, for a long time, I plan on being in Cincinnati for a while," Higgins said Thursday when asked how long will the team stay together, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Questions have surfaced regarding how the Bengals plan to keep the nucleus of Joe Burrow, Joe Mixon, Ja'Marr Chase, and Higgins long term. The organization is reportedly set to use this offseason to negotiate an extension with Burrow, while Mixon is in the midst of a four-year, $48-million deal.

Chase will not be eligible for an extension until next offseason, but Higgins is entering the final year of his rookie deal.

Higgins has become a dangerous receiving option opposite Chase. He enjoyed a second straight 1,000-plus-yard season in 2022 and has eclipsed 900 yards in each of his first three years.

Cincinnati came within striking distance of reaching the Super Bowl again this season but was defeated by the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC title game.

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