Tee Higgins is reportedly expected to get the franchise tag for a second straight year from the Cincinnati Bengals, and the New England Patriots will be staring into the free agent abyss with no answers at the wide receiver position.
Fans had fallen in love with the Higgins and Patriots talk to the point where it felt like he was already on the team before even signing. It’s a harsh reminder that nothing is ever set in stone until players actually hit the free agent market.
Higgins is an incredibly talented playmaker at only 26 years old. It’s rare to see players like that come free at this point in their career.
The Patriots will have other options in free agency, but they aren’t exactly in a position to be drawing the top veteran receivers on the market. Sure, they have a talented young quarterback in Drake Maye, but they’re still coming off a 4-13 season with a roster full of holes.
A trade might be the best overall scenario, along with drafting and developing talent at the wide receiver position. Here are five free agent wideouts the Patriots could target if Higgins isn’t available: