With rookie quarterback Drake Maye showing promise in his first season despite challenging circumstances, the New England Patriots are shifting focus to upgrading his supporting cast. While the team has drafted wide receivers in recent years, the results have been underwhelming, making it essential to pursue a proven talent to give Maye the No. 1 target he needs.
One potential solution is targeting Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins, who is set to hit free agency after playing on the $21.8 million franchise tag in 2024. In a recent Sportsnaut article predicting offseason moves for marquee free agents, Matt Johnson projected Higgins would land in New England.
“The Bengals can try to retain Tee Higgins, but once he hits the open market, the odds shift,” Johnson wrote. “Higgins is a true No. 1 receiver entering his prime at age 26. This is the perfect opportunity for a team with a rookie-contract quarterback to make a big move. The Patriots and Panthers are intriguing options, but New England’s aggressiveness wins out, offering Higgins a deal exceeding $30 million annually to become Maye’s top target for the next five years.”
Although Higgins has expressed interest in staying with the Bengals, the team is also preparing for a massive contract extension for Ja’Marr Chase, which could make it difficult to keep both players. Higgins, an elite receiver with the skills to lead any receiving corps, would be a significant upgrade for New England. However, his recent injury history—missing 10 games over the past two seasons—raises some concerns.
Even so, Higgins remains the top wide receiver in the upcoming free agent class, and his value is unlikely to be affected by his injury record. With a projected $120.5 million in cap space—the most in the NFL—the Patriots are well-positioned to secure Higgins and provide Maye with a game-changing weapon.
