The Patriots desperately need a legit No. 1 wide receiver, but they might not acquire one before the NFL trade deadline.

New England whiffed on acquiring Calvin Ridley and Brandon Aiyuk last offseason, and it’s become clear in recent years that it will take more incentives to sign free agents. That’s why the trade market could be a place for executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf to help the franchise.

The Bengals probably aren’t going to be sellers, however. The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported Saturday that Cincinnati is shopping, but it’s seeking to improve its roster. Zac Taylor’s side is 3-5 heading into Sunday’s Week 9 slate, but they’re not looking to give up on the season. That also means they’re keeping their star players.

“Also: I was told they are not trading wideout Tee Higgins,” Russini wrote.

Any fantasy scenario of Wolf and his staff pulling off a shrew move where the Patriots trade for Higgins and work out an extension for the rest of the season will remain a fantasy. They’ll have to wait until the offseason when Higgins becomes a free agent.

New England reportedly was looking to buy in the trade market while also selling off players who might be of use to a contending team. Just don’t expect Higgins to find his way to One Patriot Place.