The New England Patriots are in the throes of a rebuild, but, as we have seen across the NFL in recent seasons it is plenty possible to win while building.
With the exception of Randy Moss’ four seasons in New England, the Patriots have lacked a true game-altering No. 1 wide receiver. Philosophically, former head coach Bill Belichick seemed to prefer balance at the position and emphasized the tight end in the passing game.
However, as the Patriots turn the page to the Jerod Mayo era, and more consequentially after choosing quarterback Drake Maye No. 3 overall in this spring’s NFL Draft, there is significant value in dropping a true No. 1 wide receiver into his supporting cast.
Fortunately for the Patriots, two top receivers have requested trades this offseason.
Should New England Patriots Trade for Tee Higgins?
The solution to the Patriots’ biggest problem, and arguably the best fit to fill the offense’s biggest need, is Tee Higgins.
Higgins requested a trade earlier this offseason, before the Cincinnati Bengals used the franchise tag on the star receiver.
However, if history is any guide, it is noteworthy that no Bengals player has ever returned to the organization beyond the year he was tagged if the two sides were unable to come to a long-term deal before that season’s deadline to do so, as just happened with Higgins.
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox put together a list of potential trade targets across the NFL, including a deal that sends Higgins to the Patriots.
“The New England Patriots could be willing to bet on Higgins,” Knox writes for B/R. “Given their longstanding lack of a true No. 1 receiver. The Jacksonville Jaguars could also take a chance on Higgins in an effort to reunite him with college quarterback Trevor Lawrence.”
Knox suggests Higgins’ value could be a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, which would be a small price for the Patriots to pay, especially given that the organization boasts the most cap space in the league in each of the next two seasons, with plenty of spending flexibility to accommodate a Higgins extension.
If the Patriots are able to outbid the Jaguars, and any other team interested in Higgins, he could develop into a key piece of New England’s future, alongside Maye, presuming the two sides are able to reach a long-term contract agreement.
For More Football News:
Follow Matt Lombardo on Threads at @MattLombardoNFL. To read more of our articles and in-depth NFL coverage, click here.
