Patriots Rumors: Tee Higgins Contract Won't Be Pursued; OL, DL Upgrades 'Goal No. 1'

The New England Patriots reportedly won't target Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins during the 2025 offseason.

According to Chad Graff of The Athletic, the Patriots' offseason blueprint "does not include pursuing Higgins."

Instead, "goal No. 1" for New England in free agency and the draft is to address the team's offensive and defensive line (via Graff).

Jason La Canfora of the Washington Post initially revealed on Feb. 11 that he spoke to one NFL general manager who believed that the Patriots "really want" Higgins.

There's a chance that the wideout won't enter unrestricted free agency, with SI.com's James Rapien reporting on Feb. 17 that the Bengals plan to use the franchise tag on Higgins.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero also reported that Cincinnati is "focused on" signing the 26-year-old to a long-term contract.

While Higgins could have served as a top target for Patriots quarterback Drake Maye entering his second season in the NFL, the team appears to be focused on the trenches instead.

New England's offensive and defensive line play was inconsistent throughout the 2024 season, playing a role in its dismal 4-13 record. The Patriots allowed 52 sacks as a team, the sixth-most in the NFL.

The approach from New England makes sense, as giving Maye more time in the pocket and establishing a consistent run game with improved offensive line play should make it easier for him to thrive in his sophomore season.

New England also racked up a mere 28 sacks of its own in 2024, the worst mark in the league.

As defensive-minded head coach Mike Vrabel enters his first year in the role with the Patriots, it's clear that the front office wants to improve the team's pass rush.

New England has the financial flexibility to make several major free-agency additions, as they own the most cap space in the NFL (via Over the Cap).

As the Patriots attempt to improve in 2025, they're looking to make improvements in the trenches instead of adding a top wideout such as Higgins.