Before free agency even begins, the Patriots already received the news that they hoped to avoid this offseason. The Bengals plan to franchise tag Tee Higgins to hopefully get an extension done rather than let him walk as a free agent.
The impressive receiver has been the primary focus for Patriots analysts and fans for the past two years, as he seemed to be the odd player out of the Benglas plans for the future. They have already locked down quarterback Joe Burrow for the foreseeable future, with a lineup of others left to extend, such as WR Ja'Marr Chase and DL Trey Hendrickson. But Higgins appeared to be on the outside looking in.
That was the case last offseason when the Bengals chose to tag him and failed to reach a long-term agreement before the season. This led to Higgins demanding a trade a few times, clearly to no avail, with the intention of exploring free agency for the first time in his career this offseason.
That doesn't look like it will be an option for him this time around, forcing the Patriots to look elsewhere for the caliber of receiver their offense needs and Drake Maye deserves. Fortunately, a good crop of names are expected to hit the free agent market next month, keeping the door open for New England to still sign a quality veteran to their roster.
Related: Dream trade target reignites rumors after comments made to Patriots legend
The Patriots have a list of other quality receivers to look at now that Tee Higgins has been made unavailable
While many of the players set to hit free agency might not excite Patriots fans as much as Higgins would, there is still a lot of talent that can be added to the team, inevitably making Maye's job a lot easier this fall.
Among the most desirable and intriguing receivers the Patriots should look at are Marquise "Hollywood" Brown, Brandin Cooks, Amari Cooper, Chris Godwin, and DeAndre Hopkins.
If the hope is to sign younger talent that can remain with the team for the longest amount of time, then Brown is probably the Patriots' best bet. The 2019 first-rounder is just 27 years old, the youngest of the group, and has proven he can be an explosive talent when given the opportunity.
That was seen during the 2021 season with the Ravens when he recorded 91 receptions for 1,008 yards and six touchdowns. He followed that up with another impressive year with the Cardinals in 2022, totaling 67 receptions for 709 yards and three scores in the desert.
If the Patriots want a more seasoned veteran instead, any of the other names, including the well-traveled Cooks and Hopkins, would be their best bet.
Cooks spent a year in Foxboro in 2017 and, in the eyes of most fans, never should have been traded. Instead, he has since spent time with the Rams, Texans, and Cowboys, continuing to prove he is among the best at his position in the league.
Hopkins would also be a solid addition, mainly since he played for Vrabel during their days with the Titans. That could be a reason he winds up reuniting with his former coach this offseason unless the Chiefs make a good run at him instead.
Cooper and Godwin would also be tremendous additions, with Godwin's injury being the most concerning factor of all the listed players. Because his 2024 season ended abruptly, he would be a more risky signing than any others. On the other hand, Cooper would be the most satisfying, as he spent last season with the Bills.
What's better than stealing a versatile weapon away from one of your biggest rivals?
Any of these veterans would drastically improve the Patriots' offensive production and help push Maye into another stratosphere with his performance. Although missing out on Higgins isn't ideal, even if there is a slight chance they could still trade for him, his becoming unavailable isn't the end of the world. There are still good options to consider.