Patriots Could Still Trade For Talented $21.81 Million Wide Receiver

The New England Patriots didn’t make too many changes regarding their receiving unit. They have yet to get a star wide receiver, but NFL analysts believe that the Patriots can pull out a trade deal for a talented wide receiver.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins requested a trade from his team this offseason. He has a $21.81 million franchise tag this offseason, but has yet to ink a move. Adam Schefter from ESPN discussed his situation in the NFL, and yes, he makes great sense for the Patriots.

Tee Higgins is still a legitimate trade target for the Patriots this off-season.

Per: @AdamSchefter

“Antoine Winfield Jr. and Tee Higgins are the last two remaining players to be franchised this off-season not to land a long-term deal.

Higgins has requested a trade.”

I… pic.twitter.com/oMt5c6FNiV

— Savage (@SavageSports_) April 10, 2024

Spotract projected a four-year deal worth $74.4 million for the Bengals receiver. The Patriots can afford Higgins and offer some of their picks to get him.

Higgins has 257 catches for 3,684 yards and 24 touchdowns, averaging 14.3 yards per reception.

Patriots can trade for a wide receiver and a pick in the 2024 NFL Draft

The Patriots have several potential scenarios to choose from. Alex Kay from Bleacher Report has a suggestion for the Patriots. It involves a trade deal with the Bengals, but this option would give them more benefits. They can offer a second-round pick and get Higgins and a six-rounder.

“Although several other standout receivers have recently fetched first-round returns—including the Tennessee Titans netting the No. 18 overall pick for A.J. Brown during the 2022 draft—Higgins’ lack of accolades and impending contract extension hinder his value,” Kay wrote. “Brown had already made a Pro Bowl and still had a year left on his rookie deal when the Titans shipped him to the Philadelphia Eagles, so the Bengals should be more than happy securing a premium Day 2 pick here.”

“While New England would be giving up a relatively lofty selection for Higgins and could even be overpaying based on his efforts last season, Cincinnati’s brass could sweeten the pot by tossing in the latter of their two sixth-round selections,” Kay added. “The Bengals would also benefit by bringing in what should be an impact rookie at No. 34 overall, a spot where they can land one of the top prospects who slipped through the first-round cracks.”