Patriots need to get Mac Jones star wide receiver Tee Higgins (if available)
Imagine New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones with a target like Tee Higgins
The story of the 2023 NFL offseason may not be the quarterback shuffle, it could be key star receivers making their way to new destinations. While there have been early rumbles about the New England Patriots potentially in on trade targets like DeAndre Hopkins and Mike Evans, they should also keep an eye on Tee Higgins.
According to a report by The Athletic, the Cincinnati Bengals could explore a trade for a top draft pick if they are not able to reach a contract extension with Higgins who is entering the final year of his rookie contract.
With Ja’Marr Chase holding down the team’s No. 1 receiver spot, the Bengals can afford to move on from Higgins if the price is “too outrageous.” At just 24 years old and coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, there will be NFL teams with cap space who will be willing to trade for Higgins. The question is would, and should the Patriots be one of those teams?
Why the Patriots should splurge for a player like Tee Higgins
Obviously, the Patriots have a need for a top, proven playmaker like Higgins so they should certainly do their homework. But would they trade a top 15 pick for him?
If they can extend him and insert a player of his caliber into the offense, they must go for it. Again, given his age and his true ability as a No. 1 receiver, it’s a splurge worth making and taking to finally get an elite playmaker for Mac Jones to get the ball to.
Now, of course the Patriots will explore cheaper opportunities. That could be a deal for Hopkins, a free agent signing or taking a shot at drafting a top wide receiver option in the 2023 NFL Draft. If you are a Patriots fan, you are already cringing at the idea of Bill Belichick selecting a top receiver following the N’Keal Harry bust.
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However, with Bill O’Brien in the mix, the idea of drafting a top talent isn’t so scary. But, with O’Brien also comes a potential that Hopkins wouldn’t want to come to New England. So, that could leave Higgins as a top trade candidate for the Patriots.
This is where Patriots fans can fantasize (without giving their hopes up).
If the New England Patriots were to shock the NFL and make a deal for Higgins, it is highly possible they wouldn’t bring back Jakobi Meyers.
But they would still have Kendrick Bourne, DeVante Parker and 2022 second-round pick Tyquan Thornton along with running back Rhamondre Stevenson and the tight end duo of Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith. That would be a formidable skilled group if the offensive line is re-tooled and upgraded.
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That would put the weight of the offense on the improvement of Mac Jones and how he bounces back from a sophomore season he’d rather forget. With a real offensive coordinator, he should be better, especially if he has an outside weapon like Tee Higgins.
Again, wishful thinking or hoping at this point, But, if the New England Patriots are serious about a No. 1 explosive receiver, the perfect opportunity could be there for the taking in Higgins.