Tee Higgins’ Franchise Tag Puts Patriots’ Receiver Search in Jeopardy
Ever since reports surfaced about Tee Higgins’ contract negotiations with the Cincinnati Bengals, the New England Patriots have been eyeing him as a potential key addition to their roster. Known as one of the league’s premier receiving talents, Higgins quickly became a focal point of discussions surrounding the Patriots’ offseason plans, especially considering the team’s substantial cap space and their persistent quest for a number-one receiver.
However, the excitement surrounding a possible move for Higgins came to an abrupt halt when the Bengals announced their intention to franchise tag him, effectively removing him from the free-agent market and dashing the hopes of multiple teams, including the Patriots. Cincinnati’s decision to secure their star receiver with a franchise tag signaled a significant obstacle for New England’s pursuit of Higgins.
Despite this setback, reports from the Boston Herald’s Andrew Callahan and Doug Kyed suggest that the Patriots have not completely abandoned their interest in Higgins. While it appears unlikely that the Bengals will allow Higgins to hit free agency, there remains a glimmer of hope for New England if circumstances were to change suddenly. Sources indicate that the Patriots had planned to make a strong push for Higgins, viewing him as a preferred option over pursuing a trade for another top receiver. The allure of utilizing their substantial $127.7 million cap space to sign Higgins directly rather than parting with valuable draft assets in a trade remains a compelling factor for the Patriots.
Higgins’ skill set aligns well with the Patriots’ offensive scheme, making him an ideal target for quarterback Drake Maye and a potential cornerstone for the team’s future success. However, the likelihood of this vision materializing appears slim at present. Higgins is coming off an impressive season with the Bengals, where he amassed 911 yards on 73 receptions and scored 10 touchdowns in just 12 games. Despite Cincinnati’s financial constraints following lucrative deals for players like Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Trey Hendrickson, the team seems determined to retain Higgins and solidify their core group of talented players.