Before free agency began, there was a lot of hype around Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins testing the market for the first time in his career and speculation about just how much money he would yield from a new team. The Patriots were at the top of the list of potential suitors since they badly needed a high caliber wide receiver and had previously inquired about trading for Higgins.

This would be their first opportunity to throw a blank check at their next franchise star, only for the Bengals to make the unthinkable move of franchise tagging Higgins for the second year in a row despite the conflict that ensued because of it last offseason.

That took him out of contention for a trade and forced the Patriots to look elsewhere for receiver help, which led to them being a frontrunner for the recently released Cooper Kupp.

However, several teams’ interest in signing the former Super Bowl MVP and his alleged high asking price might turn off New England, making the latest drama involving Cincinnati and Higgins music to the Patriots’ ears.

Growing tension might force the Bengals to look into trading Tee Higgins before it’s too late

With virtually no update regarding progress between the Bengals and Higgins on an extension since he signed the franchise tag, rumors have circulated about the likelihood of a deal getting done anytime soon.

It’s the same trouble the team has dealt with over the past two years, and their lack of any moves since free agency began this week doesn’t make it seem like a deal is any closer to getting done. That, coupled with the latest reporting from Cameron Wolfe stating Higgins is unhappy about being tagged again, means that the Patriots might have another opportunity to inquire about a trade, which looks like the only way they will add the kind of receiver the offense needs.

A look at where Bengals stand with Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Trey Hendrickson including a very high asking price for teams calling to trade for the latter two.

More for @nflnetwork Free Agency Frenzy: pic.twitter.com/rWC738k3TN

— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) March 12, 2025

Higgins expressed his displeasure at being tagged last year by requesting a trade at two different points in the offseason, and he appeared to be potentially headed to a holdout. But the Bengals’ refusal to trade him and their inability to reach an agreement on an extension inevitably led to Higgins playing the entirety of the 2024 season, assuming he would test free agency this year.

That is yet to happen, and the receiver is rightfully displeased about it.

Because of that, the Patriots might be closer to getting a real opportunity to convince the Bengals why they should be the team to trade Higgins to and they have the means to accommodate the kind of new contract he is hoping for.

With limited free agent options remaining and an equal or higher price being demanded for other potential tradeable receivers, Mike Vrabel and Co. have no reason not to make the call or even make their best offer.

If the plan really is to put Drake Maye in the best position possible this season, they need to do all that they can to ensure that happens by exploring every possible avenue to acquire the kind of talent he should be surrounded by, including potentially adding Higgins to the offense.