Potential Patriots Target Tee Higgins Keeps Options Open Before Free Agency
Joe Burrow put public pressure on the Bengals by expressing the desire to retain Tee Higgins.
The Bengals wide receiver, however, is keeping his options open.
Speaking with FOX19’s Joe Danneman in Cincinnati on Sunday, Higgins reiterated he would like to remain with Burrow and the Bengals, but also said the decision isn’t up to him. In doing so, Higgins said all the right things and kept the door open on playing elsewhere.
“Obviously, we want to build something here in Cincy,” Higgins told Danneman. “But you know, it’s not in my hands right now. So I gotta do what I need to do, and if that’s go to another team, that’s what happens.”
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Higgins said his current priority is to get away from football the next few weeks and clear his head. He knows it won’t be long until the process ramps up with the legal tampering period beginning March 10 and free agency March 12.
“Obviously I would love to be here in Cincinnati,” Higgins said. “I love it here. I love the city. I love the fans. I love the coaching staff — everything in the building. But it’s not in my control.”
Higgins’ willingness to let the process play out is good news to other interested teams, a list which should include the New England Patriots. It obviously would not be a favorable development if Higgins slammed the door shut on playing anywhere other than Cincinnati.
The 26-year-old might be New England’s most desired target given the team’s need for a No. 1 receiver. It’s a role Higgins feels he’s deserving of.
“For sure,” he said. “I feel like I proved that.”
Higgins caught 73 balls for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns this season despite being limited to 12 games. He has a pair of 1,000-yard seasons under his belt, including a career-high campaign in 2021 when he caught 74 passes for 1,091 yards.
His past production makes Higgins the top free agent set to hit the open market. If he’s open to playing elsewhere, Higgins certainly is young and talented enough to create a bidding war next month.