A new NFL rumor claims one specific player is at the tippy top of the New England Patriots free agency wish list heading into the offseason.
The 2024 season for the Patriots was once again a major disappointment. After going 4-13 in 2023, the organization took the bold step of moving on from legendary head coach Bill Belichick. And they used their first-round pick last year on talented North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye. However, it did not stop the team from a second-straight 4-13 finish this past season.
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While Jerrod Mayo was a major letdown and was fired after one year as head coach, the aforementioned Maye was a bright spot. Although his stats from his rookie season don’t jump off the page, many NFL pundits believe the young QB showed a great deal of potential despite being surrounded by some mediocre talent.
Getting him more weapons on offense would go a long way in helping his development into a legitimate franchise QB. That is why it should come as no surprise that the organization is reportedly hellbent on targeting the best wide receiver in free agency this spring.
- Tee Higgins stats (2024): 73 catches, 911 receiving yards, 10 touchdowns, 12.5 yards per reception
New England Patriots extremely high on wide receiver Tee Higgins
In a new report from Washington Post NFL insider Jason La Canfora, executives around the NFL are predicting the New England Patriots make a hard push to sign Cincinnati Bengals star Tee Higgins. With one executive telling the insider they “really want this guy.”
The Pats are expected to have $121 million in salary cap space this offseason (via Spotrac). More than enough to sign a player viewed as the top receiver on the market and is expected to get a deal worth $30 million annually.
- Tee Higgins contract (Projection): Four years, $120 million
La Canfora also added that part of the team’s motivation to spend big for Higgins — beyond getting Maye a true No. 1 receiver — is to make up for not landing any major free agents last season despite also having a boatload of salary cap space.
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