The New England Patriots entered the offseason in desperate need of a wide receiver. Well, the free-agent period began about a month ago, and the Patriots are still in desperate need of a wide receiver.

New England was shut out in free agency, as top target Calvin Ridley spurned the Pats for the Tennessee Titans, and the Patriots were unable to pivot.

So far, anyway.

Cincinnati Bengals wide out Tee Higgins could be available after the star requested a trade last month following the Bengals’ decision to slap a franchise tag on him.

Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay believes that New England can swing a deal for Higgins, suggesting that the Pats send a second-round draft pick to Cincinnati in exchange for the pass-catcher.

The Patriots also have expansive cap room, so they would be able to sign Higgins to a contract extension almost immediately if they so pleased.

Higgins is coming off of an injury-plagued 2023 campaign in which he played 12 games and logged just 42 catches for 656 yards and five touchdowns in what was the worst years of his career. However, prior to that, he posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, and that came as Cincy’s No. 2 receiver behind Ja’Marr Chase.

But why wouldn’t the Bengals just sign Higgins to a long-term deal?

Well, Cincinnati is already paying Joe Burrow $55 million annually, and Chase became eligible for a contract extension this offseason. The Bengals will probably prioritize Chase over Higgins, and it seems relatively unlikely that the team will choose to pay big money for two receivers.

Cincinnati can always just opt to hold on to Higgins and hope he signs his franchise tender going into 2024, but Higgins could also threaten to sit out.

If it comes to the point of no return between the Bengals and Higgins, expect the Patriots to come calling.

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