NFL Insider’s ‘Feeling’ About Star Wideout Great News For Patriots

The Patriots should enter the NFL offseason with a clear focus: creating a better situation for Drake Maye.

While we’re not ready to start sizing Maye for a gold jacket, New England’s supremely talented rookie has virtually made it certain that he’s a legitimate franchise quarterback. Thus, the Patriots should feel comfortable being aggressive in bolstering his supporting cast, as Maye looks like he will uphold his end of the bargain.

That’s surely why ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler “expects” New England to target wide receiver and offensive line help in free agency this spring. And when it comes to checking the first box, Patriots fans might want to keep an eye on a certain star.

“The feeling here is Cincinnati lets Tee Higgins walk in free agency and allocates resources for (Ja’Marr) Chase, a 2026 free agent,” Fowler wrote in a column published Wednesday.

The Patriots absolutely should take a look at Higgins, who’s recorded 900-plus receiving yards in every season in which he’s played 14-plus games. And at 25 years old, Higgins is at the point of his career where New England shouldn’t be hesitant about signing him to a long-term contract.

There likely will be a mass of suitors for the 2020 second-round pick should he hit the open market. But with Maye in the fold, the Patriots are in a good spot to make a compelling pitch to Higgins.