The New England Patriots struck out in the 2024 offseason when they attempted to land a star wide receiver for Drake Maye. The Patriots were interested in landing Philadelphia Eagles WR A.J. Brown or San Francisco 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk.
Both receivers signed contract extensions with their respective teams.
Maye had a meh rookie season, throwing for 2,276 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. However, not all of the issues in the passing game were the fault of the No. 3 pick in the 2024 draft.
The Patriots were doomed from the start when they had to rely on tight end Hunter Henry to be the team’s leading receiver with 674 yards. DeMario Douglas was the second-leading receiver in 2024 with 621 yards.
New England Patriots want Tee Higgins
Per Jason La Canfora of the Washington Post, the Patriots are looking at signing Tee Higgins if he makes it to free agency. While Burrow has been advocating for Cincinnati to re-sign Higgins, the team isn’t expected to make the move with Ja’Marrr Chase and Trey Hendrickson also needing compensation.
Via the Washington Post:
“Burrow is going to be pissed,” a second GM predicted. “No way they are keeping more than two of those four.” Multiple executives I spoke with predicted Higgins will land at least $30 million per season. “I think he’s going to New England,” the first GM said. Patriots owner Robert Kraft “took a lot of s— for not spending any money, rightfully so, and I hear they really want this guy.”
Can the Cincinnati Bengals afford Higgins?
Higgins was the Bengals second-leading receiver in 2024 with 73 receptions for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns. The second-round pick in the 2020 draft deserves a major payday after recording 330 receptions for 4,495 yards and 34 touchdowns in his first five seasons.
The Bengals should think hard about their 9-8 record with Higgins on the team. While he helped the offense, Cincinnati needs to think about putting that $30 million to use on defense.
The Patriots have a solid defense, and new head coach Mike Vrabel could use a $30 million receiver to give Maye in 2025.
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