Patriots
Patriots reportedly ‘really want’ to bring in a big-name receiver
The New England Patriots' 2024 offense lacked high-end weapons for rookie quarterback Drake Maye. Tight end Hunter Henry led the team with 66 catches, 674 yards, and two touchdowns, while their best wide receiver was DeMario Douglas with 66 receptions, 621 yards, and three scores. Therefore, many fans hope the team will put a concerted effort to bring receiving talent to New England, through either free agency or the draft. In the 2023 off-season, the Patriots were linked to various big name receivers, including Brandon Aiyuk and Calvin Ridley. The 'big fish' of 2024's free agency will be Tee Higgins, and the Patriots are among the teams poised to make a push for him. "I think he's going to New England," one NFL general manager told Jason La Canfora of the Washington Post, as he wrote on Tuesday, "Patriots owner Robert Kraft took a lot of s--- for not spending any money, rightfully so, and I hear they really want this guy." Tee Higgins La Canfora added that "multiple executives" predict Higgins to land at least $30 million per season. The number is comparable to the market; the six highest-paid receivers in the league make at least $30 million annually, via Over The Cap. The Patriots have the money to make a deal like that if they are willing. Going into 2025 free agency, the team has more than $119 million in cap space, so they could bring in Higgins and still have room to bolster other parts of their roster. Bringing in Higgins at $30 million could be risky, because he has primarily been the No. 2 receiver in Cincinnati, where Ja'Marr Chase draws the most attention. But the Patriots simply must put talent around Maye, and Higgins would immediately become the top guy and a big piece of their rebuild. Luke Graham is a digital sports content co-op for 98.5 the Sports Hub. He is currently a sophomore communications student at Northeastern University. Follow him on X @LukeGraham05.