Patriots’ Next Star? Week 1 Bengals Game Could Offer Up-Close Look

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins was heavily linked to the New England Patriots this offseason.

At the time, Higgins requested a trade from Cincinnati and Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf confirmed New England's interest in the wide receiver market. After months of speculation, Higgins ultimately signed his $21.8 million franchise tag in mid-June and agreed to play the 2024 season in Cincy.

But the long-term outlook did not change.

Higgins is now scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in 2025. Given Cincinnati seems to be nearing an extension with wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase, it feels like Higgins will play elsewhere next season.

The Athletic's Bengals reporter Paul Dehner Jr. recently spoke with NESN's George Balejki on the "Foxboro Rush" podcast and agreed. Dehmer believes it's a "small" chance Higgins remains in Cincinnati after 2024.

"All signs point to him hitting free agency this year," Dehner told Balekji. "The plan was to get him on a fifth year, on the franchise tag and they let him go. Maybe they do some sort of second-tag trade scenario. Maybe things change dramatically, maybe things get explosive with Ja'Marr Chase during the season. Who knows, seasons are wild.

"So things can change, but for now, I think the most likely scenario is Tee plays. -- they hope he plays great, they hope he plays 17 games plus the playoffs -- and then he goes and collects all kinds of money in March in free agency and everybody feels like they can shake hands on that deal."

Might the Patriots use their Week 1 game against the Bengals as an up-close look at Higgins?

The Patriots tried to add a high-end wideout this offseason and reportedly were willing to give Brandon Aiyuk in excess of $80 million guaranteed. Higgins might even be a better option since the Patriots wouldn't need to trade anything to add him next offseason.

"He's (Higgins) looked incredible in camp and looks about as motivated as a human being can be," Dehner said. "And for a lot of reasons. It's obvious why. So I think he's primed to have a big year and hit free agency."

Patriots fans surely hope for the latter. But for now, the Foxboro Faithful probably are hoping Jerod Mayo and company shut down the skilled pass-catcher in Week 1.