Patriots Expected to Heavily Pursue Tee Higgins

As we approach the end of the NFL season, rumors about players who will become available in the offseason have begun to swirl. One name recently garnering significant attention is Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins. Reports suggest the Patriots have a strong desire to land Higgins in the offseason, with some stating they are willing to "move the earth and moon" for him. Higgins is widely expected to become a free agent, as the Cincinnati Bengals are already deep at the wide receiver position and likely need to allocate their financial resources elsewhere.

This past offseason, I mocked Higgins to the Patriots in a trade scenario, as his name was heavily involved in trade discussions stemming from the Bengals' inability to reach a contract extension with him. Ultimately, Cincinnati chose to retain Higgins, hoping he could help them push for another Super Bowl run. Unfortunately, that plan hasn’t materialized, as the Bengals' defense has struggled to match the output of their high-scoring offense, leaving the team with a disappointing 5-8 record. Despite the team's struggles, Higgins has delivered quality performances, recording 43 catches for 581 yards and 5 touchdowns.

This offseason, the Patriots will have as much opportunity as any team to bring in Higgins, given their significant financial flexibility. The lingering question is whether Higgins will want to play in New England, a franchise that has struggled to find consistent success in the post-Brady era. New England currently sits at 3-10 and has shown little improvement over last season.

One key difference this year, however, is rookie quarterback Drake Maye. Maye has showcased tremendous talent in his first season and has the potential to become a polarizing figure in the NFL. His presence could make New England an appealing destination for players like Higgins, as teammates may see an opportunity to team up with a quarterback of Maye's caliber. A hypothetical pairing of Higgins and Maye could drastically reshape the AFC East landscape next year, especially if the Patriots address other areas of need through free agency and their high draft pick.

While the offseason is still weeks away, this is definitely a storyline worth monitoring as it develops. Patriots fans should keep a close eye on any updates regarding Higgins, as his potential addition could significantly impact the team’s future.