The New England Patriots‘ pursuit of a wide receiver in free agency ended without success, as their target, Calvin Ridley, opted to join the Tennessee Titans. With Ridley off the table, it appeared that the Patriots were left with limited options. Additionally, their focus on selecting a quarterback with the No. 3 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft means they likely won’t address their receiver needs with top prospects like Marvin Harrison Jr.
However, there’s still potential for the Patriots to bolster their receiving corps via trade. Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report suggests that Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins could be a target for New England. Higgins reportedly requested a trade earlier in the offseason after the Bengals placed a franchise tag on him, preventing him from hitting free agency. This move didn’t sit well with Higgins, especially considering the Bengals’ financial commitments to quarterback Joe Burrow and fellow receiver Ja’Marr Chase.
While Cincinnati may opt to keep Higgins for another season, especially given their status as AFC contenders, there’s a possibility they could explore trading him. If they do, the Patriots could emerge as a favorable destination.
Despite a slightly underwhelming 2023 season due to injury, Higgins has shown his potential with back-to-back 1,000-yard campaigns in 2021 and 2022 as the Bengals’ secondary receiving option behind Chase. At just 25 years old, Higgins could thrive as a primary target in New England’s offense.
Whether the Patriots decide to pursue Higgins remains to be seen, but his addition could significantly bolster their receiving corps.
