Patriots should target WR Tee Higgins after trade request from Bengals
The New England Patriots need a top wide receiver, and an incredible candidate has just become available. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Tee Higgins has requested a trade from the Cincinnati Bengals. This comes after he got the franchise tag from the Bengals. And it's a well known fact that the Patriots were interested in […]
The New England Patriots need a top wide receiver, and an incredible candidate has just become available.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Tee Higgins has requested a trade from the Cincinnati Bengals. This comes after he got the franchise tag from the Bengals.
And it's a well known fact that the Patriots were interested in the receiver if he became a free agent. So now that he's asking for a trade, New England should be making some calls immediately.
The Patriots wide receiver room needs an upgrade. And while Kendrick Bourne was a solid start, landing someone like Higgins would be huge for the organization.
Head coach Jerod Mayo has not been quiet about his plans for free agency. And that includes spending the money that the Patriots have.
As of Monday, just before the legal tampering period begins, New England has the second most cap space, with $82,788,356 and just $13,611,180 in dead money.
Higgins wanted a long-term deal, so any team that lands him would have to be willing to give him that. And he is frustrated with the Bengals after long-term contact extension talks haven't been going on.
Across his four seasons with Cincinnati, Higgins has 257 receptions for 3,684 yards and 24 touchdowns.
If they don't land Higgins, there have also been rumors that the Patriots are expected to have interest in Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Calvin Ridley. But considering their interest in Higgins before, this is something to think about.
The 33rd Team's Ari Meirov added that the Bengals believe they can get a 1st-round pick of early 2nd-round pick for Higgins. While the Patriots won't (and shouldn't) give up the No. 3 overall pick, they do hold an early pick in the second round. And that is something to considering.
So let's see if they make a push.
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