The New England Patriots have a few pressing needs to address once free agency starts in March, with wide receiver chief among them. It's clear No. 3 overall pick Drake Maye has the potential to lead this team back to contention, but he'll struggle to do so without the proper help around him when it comes his weapons.
One wideout many have clamored for over the past year is current Cincinnati Bengals standout Tee Higgins, who's the exact kind of big-bodied and big-play force of nature Maye could use in the Patriots' passing game.
However, New England's pursuit of Higgins hit a snag earlier this month when it was announced the Bengals were franchise tagging the former Clemson standout, which would prevent the Pats from even approaching the WR this spring.
Yet, Mike Vrabel and co. may not be out of the running totally, it seems.
REPORT:
— Savage (@SavageSports_) February 22, 2025
Per: @PhilAPerry
Tee Higgins to Cincinnati NOT SO FAST
“Here’s why I’m hearing on Tee Higgins. Just talking to people around the league, these are not people in Cincinnati, but the gist is, I’ll believe it when I see it.”
👀🔥 pic.twitter.com/I0zaKUUa6L
NBC Sports Boston's Phil Perry reported on Saturday that sources around the league don't think the Higgins situation is resolved yet. Perry noted those with inside knowledge are taking a "I'll believe when I see it" type of approach to the notion the vet will absolutely be back in Cincy for 2025.
The Bengals find themselves facing pressure on several fronts when it comes to their roster and salary cap. Quarterback Joe Burrow has publicly stated he wants to see Higgins and others standouts on offense return, but the team's lackluster play on the other side of the ball seems to call for some sacrifices in order to bolster that unit.
Tagging Higgins is one way to avoid losing the star receiver after he's racked up at least 900 yards in four of his five NFL seasons and a total of 34 touchdowns to this point. However, it may also be a tactic for the franchise to buy some time on that front, with either a long-term extension or a trade being possibilities down the line.
The Kansas City Chiefs used one of the franchise tags on cornerback L'Jarius Sneed last offseason before ultimately trading him to the Tennessee Titans, and Higgins could see a similar fate. Higgins' family even seems upset with Cincy, which adds to the theory the wide receiver may still be moved.
This precarious situation for the Bengals is one the Patriots stand to seriously benefit from. New England has the draft capital to not only make a trade enticing to Cincinnati, but the No. 1 role and cap space to meet most of Higgins' needs as well.
As long as there's not a long-term deal in place between Higgins and Cincy, it appears New England still has a chance at the impact receiver.