The New England Patriots are in dire need of a true No. 1 wide receiver, and this offseason presents an opportunity to address that issue. Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins has been widely regarded as the Patriots’ top target, given his talent and the team’s significant salary cap space. However, recent reports suggest that New England may face obstacles in their pursuit of Higgins.
According to insider sources, the Bengals are still interested in retaining Higgins, either by negotiating a long-term contract or using the franchise tag to keep him for at least another season. While Higgins is set to become a free agent, Cincinnati has expressed a strong desire to keep him alongside quarterback Joe Burrow and fellow star receiver Ja’Marr Chase. This would make it difficult for New England to acquire him without a significant trade offer or waiting for the Bengals to let him walk, which seems unlikely at this point.
Another challenge for the Patriots is their current lack of stability on offense. The uncertainty surrounding their quarterback situation and offensive scheme could make New England a less attractive destination for a player like Higgins, who will likely have multiple suitors from teams in better competitive positions. Higgins may prefer to sign with a team that already has an established quarterback and a clear path to playoff contention.
If the Patriots miss out on Higgins, they will need to explore other options in free agency or the draft. Names like Calvin Ridley and Michael Pittman Jr. could become potential alternatives, but neither offers the same combination of size, speed, and playmaking ability that Higgins brings.
Ultimately, while New England has the resources to pursue a top receiver, the latest reports indicate that landing Tee Higgins may not be as straightforward as hoped.
