NFL Rumors: Patriots 'Really Want' Tee Higgins Ahead of Bengals WR's 2025 Free Agency

The New England Patriots may target Tee Higgins to solve their longstanding problems at wide receiver, according to the Washington Post's Jason La Canfora.

La Canfora spoke to one NFL general manager who predicted Higgins to join the Patriots. The GM said New England owner Robert Kraft "took a lot of s--t for not spending any money, rightfully so, and I hear they really want this guy," in reference to the Bengals wideout.

La Canfora also projected Higgins to get $30 million or more annually on his next contract.

Not for a lack of trying, the Patriots have struggled for multiple seasons now to find a true No. 1 WR. Julian Edelman in 2019 is their last player to eclipse 1,000 receiving yards. Last year, tight end Hunter Henry led the team in the category with just 674 yards.

In Drake Maye, New England may have a young quarterback who can carry the franchise forward in a way Mac Jones couldn't. When the Pats were in the midst of their coaching search, NBC Sports Boston's Phil Perry posited in January that Maye "is the reason why Mike Vrabel wants the job."

To help the 22-year-old signal-caller continue to develop, it's important to improve the receiving corps, and signing Higgins would do just that.

In his first five years with Cincinnati, the 6'4" pass-catcher had 4,595 receiving yards and 34 touchdowns.

There are some injury concerns with Higgins because he missed 10 games between 2023 and 2024. Still, he's arguably the best receiver available and the one most likely to make an immediate impact for the Patriots if he lands there.

It's little surprise Higgins would be one of New England's primary focuses in free agency.