New England Patriots fans held onto hope as the team aggressively pursued Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins. Initially expected to test free agency, Higgins was instead franchise-tagged for a second straight year. Still, the Patriots explored the possibility of a trade, even if the odds were slim. Now, any remaining hope has officially been crushed.
According to Fox Sports NFL insider Jordan Schultz, both Higgins and fellow star receiver Ja’Marr Chase have signed massive contract extensions with the Bengals. Chase is set to make history as the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, securing a four-year, $161 million deal, with $112 million guaranteed. Meanwhile, Higgins has locked in a four-year, $115 million contract, making him the highest-paid WR2 in league history, with his first two years fully guaranteed.
Over five explosive seasons in Cincinnati, Higgins has amassed 330 receptions, 4,595 yards, and 34 touchdowns. Many speculated that the Bengals wouldn’t be able to afford the high costs of keeping Chase, Higgins, and quarterback Joe Burrow together. However, they defied expectations and retained their elite offensive core.
The Patriots, who spent $260 million in salary cap space early in the offseason, were still searching for a premier pass-catcher. Despite making roster moves, New England has yet to land a true top-tier receiver. Higgins, even as Cincinnati’s WR2, would have been a WR1 on most teams, including the Patriots who desperately needed him. Last season, New England ranked dead last in passing yards per game (176.2), due in part to offensive line struggles but also a glaring lack of elite receiving talent.
With Higgins officially off the market, the Patriots must now shift their focus. Whether they continue searching this offseason or set their sights on the 2025 NFL Draft, one thing is clear they still have a major hole to fill in their receiving corps.
