The New England Patriots believe they’ve found their franchise quarterback and are now looking to build around him.
According to Chad Graff of The Athletic, the Patriots are prepared to “offer the moon” to pending free agent and current Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins.
“The Patriots are going to be all in on Tee Higgins. They’ve shown an interest in established receivers, and Higgins is the best free agent. I expect them to offer him the moon. The question is whether he says yes or no.”
Despite playing in just seven games this season due to various injuries, Higgins has recorded 558 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 79.7 yards per game.
The Patriots are in desperate need of improvement in their receiving game. They rank last in the league in passing yards per game, averaging just 171.5 and are second to last in receiving touchdowns with only 13.
New England’s leading receiver is tight end Hunter Henry, who has 610 yards this season. Second-string tight end Austin Hooper leads the team in receiving touchdowns with three. Their leading receiver DeMario Douglas has recorded 497 yards this season with one touchdown, ranking 61st in the league in total yards.
The Cincinnati Bengals (4-8) will not be able to re-sign both Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase, who’s seeking a contract, as well. This will open the door for Higgins to test the free agent market and by all accounts will be one of the more sought after free agents.
