The Patriots have a lot of cash to burn—more than $100 million in salary cap space, to be exact—this offseason, and the roster needs reconstruction in multiple areas.
The receiving corps is certainly near the top of that list, along with the offensive line, and this offseason's free agent class isn't short on dynamic options.
The free-agent signing period - which starts March 10 - will be here before we know it, and there's no doubt Mike Vrabel and Eliot Wolf are eager to get to work to give Drake Maye the weapons he needs. The free-agency period will likely dictate what the Patriots do come the draft as well.
Ranking wide receivers the Patriots can sign in 2025 NFL free agency from best to worst
1. Tee Higgins
The Bengals' superstar is arguably the most coveted free agent in the league this offseason, and teams will have to overpay for his services. Fortunately, the Patriots have the most cash to burn out of any team in the league, and GMs around the league are already predicting Higgins will be a Patriot.
Higgins was the 1B to Ja'Marr Chase's 1A in Cincinnati, and he represents the big, fast, physical, top-tier wide receiver the Patriots and Maye need. Higgins would provide the Patriots' offense the upgrade it needs, and opposing defenses would have to respect him downfield to the point where it would open up inside throws for the slot receivers and tight ends.
The only problem is that the Bengals have decided to franchise tag him for the second season in a row, and they hope to reach an agreement on an extension before the deadline this summer. That is a massive blow for the Patriots, but it doesn't completely rule Higgins out just yet.
2. Keenan Allen
At age 32, Allen may not be the top-tier wide receiver he once was, but he would be a viable veteran presence for the Patriots. He's coming off a productive 70-catch season in Chicago in which he hauled in seven touchdown passes playing in a Bears' offense that was just as inept as New England's.
Allen won't be as expensive as Higgins, but his expertise would make him a great locker room guy for the younger receivers. Allen is worth at least kicking the tires on, especially if the Bears don't re-sign him.
3. DeAndre Hopkins
Like Allen, Hopkins is on the wrong side of 30 and has a lot of tread on his tires. But he has ties to Vrabel from his days in Tennessee, and with Kansas City projected to be in salary-cap trouble in the next year or two, would the Chiefs look to spend money on a 32-year old wide receiver?
Even if the Patriots sign Higgins, Hopkins is another guy worth looking at on a short-term (two years max) type of deal, especially if Kendrick Bourne is cut or traded. Hopkins can line up anywhere and is the type of Swiss army knife who could excel in a Josh McDaniels offense.
4. Stefon Diggs
Diggs had a down season for his standards - 47 catches, 496 yards, three touchdowns - in Houston last season, and while he likely wants to head to a contender, the former division rival with Buffalo might be worth a phone call.
Diggs likely has a lot left in his tank to be a top-flight wideout, and he should undoubtedly be on New England's 2025 shopping list, especially if the Patriots miss out on Higgins.
Diggs will certainly want to get paid, so he's another guy New England may have to overspend on.