Patriots No Longer Pursuing Bengals Star Receiver Tee Higgins in Free Agency

The Bengals plan on using the franchise tag on Higgins by the March 4 deadline.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (5) catches a pass inside the 5-yard line as Denver Broncos cornerback Riley Moss (21) defends in overtime of the NFL game at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. | Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

CINCINNATI — The New England Patriots have been mentioned as a possible suitor for Tee Higgins in free agency for months.

That might not be the case any more. According to Chad Graff of The Athletic, the Patriots are no longer focused on adding Higgins to their roster and would prefer to bolster their offensive and defensive lines.

"New England’s blueprint for the offseason does not include pursuing Higgins," Graff wrote. "As the Patriots are reshaped in Mike Vrabel’s likeness, they want to prioritize building through the offensive and defensive lines and will make that goal No. 1 of this offseason. So expect their biggest free-agent signings to come in the trenches—not at wide receiver."

Part of this decision could have a lot to do with the Bengals' plan for Higgins. The Patriots went down to the wire with Calvin Ridley in free agency last year, but he ultimately signed with the Titans.

New England knows the Bengals are going to tag Higgins on Tuesday, March 4 if they don't get a long-term deal in place with the star receiver.

The Bengals made it clear that they plan on keeping Higgins in 2025 and beyond.

"Obviously we're looking to do a long-term agreement with Tee, "Bengals Director of Player Personnel Duke Tobin said. "So we believe the future is bright in Cincinnati for him."

For more on the Bengals, subscribe to our YouTube Channel and be sure to check us out on your favorite audio platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon. 

Make sure you bookmark BengalsTalk.com for the latest Bengals news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!

You May Also Like:

'There's A Real Framework To Work Off Of' - Duke Tobin Dives Into Bengals Desire to Extend Ja'Marr Chase

Duke Tobin on Trey Hendrickson's Future With Bengals: 'He Has Earned a Pay Raise'

What Erick All's Injury Means for Bengals' Plans at Tight End in Free Agency and 2025 NFL Draft

Sources: Bengals Players 'Excited' About Defensive Coordinator Al Golden and Revamped Coaching Staff

Report: Arrests Made in Possible Relation to Joe Burrow Home Robbery

'He's an Expert Pass Pro Technician' - NFL World Reacts to Bengals New O-Line Coach Scott Peters

Former Bengals Coach Lou Anarumo Named Colts Defensive Coordinator

Legendary Bengals Coach Jim McNally Praises Offensive Line Hiring of Scott Peters

From Practice Squads to MMA to Cleveland and New England, Scott Peters' Journey Continues as Bengals O-Line Coach

Simple Quote Explains Bengals' Decision to Make Latest O-Line Coach Addition in Quest to Protect Joe Burrow

Bengals Fun Fact: Trio of Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and Cade York Finish 20-0

ESPN's Ben Solak Predicts Bengals Trade For Falcons Star Tight End Kyle Pitts

Related: Joe Burrow Sends ANOTHER Message to Bengals' Front Office

Cincinnati Bengals List of 2025 Opponents Finalized Ahead of Week 18 Season Finale

Best Player in Football: Joe Burrow Gets Ringing Endorsement for MVP Following Clutch Performance vs Denver Broncos

In Depth Look at Joe Burrow’s Case for NFL MVP Following Bengals’ Win Streak

'Sometime You Eat A S*** Sandwich' - Broncos CB Riley Moss Sums Up Outing Against Bengals, Tee Higgins

Playing on One Leg: Orlando Brown Jr. Shares Details of Broken Leg, His Ability to Play Through the Pain

Watch: Zac Taylor Tosses Out Game Balls Following Bengals’ Win Over Broncos in OT

Bengals WR Tee Higgins Talks Emotions, Gratitude and Mistakes After What Could Be His Final Home Game with Team

Listen: Radio Call of Tee Higgins’ Game-Winning Touchdown in Bengals’ Win Over Broncos

Ja’Marr Chase Breaks Another Bengals Record, Becomes All-Time Leader for Receptions in a Season

-----

Join the 53,000+ Bengals fans that subscribe to us on YouTube.

Follow us on Twitter: @BengalsTalkSI

Like Our Facebook Page

Subscribe and follow the ONLY Daily Bengals Podcast

Follow on TikTok