The NFL season is about to end, and rumors are heating up about big changes for Cincinnati Bengals star wide receiver Tee Higgins. The New England Patriots are making headlines as a potential landing spot, especially as reports suggest that the team might be focused on adding offensive strength.
NFL Network Reporter Fuels Rumors of Tee Higgins’ Transition to New England
According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Patriots are “heavily in” on pursuing Higgins during the offseason and might target other top wide receivers in free agency.
Third and final notebook from The Insiders on @NFLGameDay Kickoff today. Enjoy the @nflnetwork tripleheader, all. pic.twitter.com/zEIrbwc59V
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) December 28, 2024
This interest comes as the Patriots prepare to build around rookie quarterback Drake Maye, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Patriots aim to surround Maye with multiple offensive weapons, and Higgins, a proven playmaker, is reportedly at the top of their wishlist.
The speculation doesn’t stop with insiders. Patriots wideout Kendrick Bourne added fuel to the fire during a TikTok Live session, openly trying to recruit Higgins. Bourne’s pitch, captured by Carlos Talks Pats on X (formerly known as Twitter), included an enthusiastic plea, where he made his case of pairing Maye and Higgins together.
“Aye, Tee Higgins, if you out there … come to the Pats, bro. It ain’t what it seems, bro. It’s gonna be lit. … Drake Maye and Tee Higgins, touchdown. Look how good that sounds,” noted the Patriots’ wideout.
#Patriots WR Kendrick Bourne sends a message to Tee Higgins on TikTok Live:
“Aye Tee Higgins if you out there… come to the Pats bro. It ain’t what it seems bro, it’s gonna be lit… Drake Maye and Tee Higgins touchdown. Look how good that sounds.”
(🎥 @BournePoly11’s TikTok) pic.twitter.com/7quqnhOdOs
— Carlos Talks Pats (@LosTalksPats) December 24, 2024
The Patriots, who sit on significant salary cap space, are poised to be aggressive in free agency, especially after another underwhelming season that stands at 3-12 after 16 weeks of toil.
Though parting ways with their longtime head coach Bill Belichick led to expectations of a change of scenery for the team, it is obvious that the team has suffered. Adding a receiver like Higgins could at least revitalize their offense for the next season and give Maye a trusted target to elevate the team’s fortunes.
However, the Bengals might not let Higgins reach free agency. The star wideout recently parted ways with his former agent and signed with the same representatives as teammate Ja’Marr Chase. This move aligns with Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, who has publicly expressed his desire for the team to retain both Chase and Higgins long-term.
While the Patriots’ interest in Higgins seems genuine, the Bengals’ actions suggest they are intent on keeping their star duo intact. However, as rumors swirl and players like Bourne openly campaign for Higgins, this storyline is far from over.