The Patriots have around $50 million in cap space, the highest in the league. Despite their challenges in spending this money effectively on free agents this offseason, they still have options to make moves through trades. As March comes to a close, the standout player available in trade discussions plays a position that the Patriots urgently need to strengthen: wide receiver.

 

That individual is the standout player Tee Higgins from the Bengals.

Following the Patriots’ unsuccessful pursuit of Calvin Ridley, who ultimately chose to join Tennessee instead, they shifted their focus towards acquiring Vikings receiver K.J. Osborn. This move aimed to bolster one of the weakest receiving groups in the NFL. However, it is noted that both Osborn and the incumbent starter Kendrick Bourne are more suited to being secondary or tertiary receiving options rather than primary targets.

The Patriots are in dire need of a premier receiving threat. Higgins, who has formally asked to be traded from Cincinnati following being franchise-tagged by the Bengals, is poised to transition into a primary receiver role after being in the shadow of Bengals standout Ja’Marr Chase throughout his career. Bleacher Report has identified the Patriots as one of the interested parties in pursuing Higgins, as he seeks a significant new contract extension.

Tee Higgins is seeking a trade and a new contract.

Kristopher Knox from B/R forecasts that Tee Higgins could merit a three-year contract valued at $71 million. The proposed deal aligns well with the Patriots’ current salary cap situation.

Knox stated, “While Higgins has primarily served as the second receiver in Cincinnati, he has displayed the potential to be a primary option elsewhere. Despite sharing targets with Chase, the 25-year-old achieved 1,000-yard seasons in 2021 and 2022.

“The New England Patriots are in need of a top target and are considering acquiring receiver assistance via trade, as mentioned by head coach Jerod Mayo. ‘Absolutely. We are still exploring trade options,’ he informed the press.

Spotrac predicts that Tee Higgins could command a four-year contract worth $74 million during the upcoming offseason. If the Bengals opt not to extend his contract, this deal might prove to be a steal once he no longer plays in the shadow of Chase.

The Patriots may potentially bring about changes to their offensive lineup.

It’s uncertain what sort of offer would be needed to acquire Higgins, but it would probably involve a package similar to what the Eagles surrendered for A.J. Brown from the Titans in 2022 – a first- and third-round pick, even though Higgins is considered a notch below Brown in skill level.

Although the Patriots hold the No. 3 pick in this year’s draft, they are unlikely to trade it for Higgins. Instead, they could consider offering their second-rounder (No. 34 overall) and a third-rounder this year to the Bengals, or they could propose a pick in the 2025 draft. This would entail a significant cost, but underlines the urgent need the Patriots have for a quality receiver.

No one surpasses Higgins in terms of availability. Despite facing injury challenges in 2023, the 25-year-old Higgins managed to maintain an average of 15.6 yards per reception over 12 games when he was fit.

The lingering uncertainty revolves around who will be delivering passes to Higgins and the other Patriots receivers. The Patriots are still deliberating whether to select a quarterback at the No. 3 pick or explore other options. Presently, the quarterback options include Jacoby Brissett and Bailey Zappe. It would be fruitless to assemble a highly talented receiver group with players like Higgins, Osborn, Bourne, and Pop Douglas if Brissett ends up as the starting quarterback

However, priorities should be taken one step at a time. If the opportunity arises to acquire Higgins, the Patriots should seize it first and then address the quarterback situation later.