With the most cap space in the NFL this coming free agent cycle, the shiny toy on the top of fans' wish lists for the New England Patriots was to land Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins. Well,

The New England Patriots reportedly won't target Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins during the 2025 offseason. According to Chad Graff of The Athletic, the Patriots' offseason blueprint "does not include pursuing Higgins.

The Cincinnati Bengals used their $26.2 million franchise tag on Tee Higgins on Monday, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. It's the second consecutive year the Bengals have franchise tagged Higgins and he'll now stay in Cincinnati for at least one more season.

Wide receiver Tee Higgins, who some believed the Patriots would target in free agency, has been franchise tagged by the Bengals, preventing him from hitting the open market.

If the Patriots want to pursue Tee Higgins, they better hope the Cincinnati Bengals want to trade the talented receiver. According to the NFL Network, and confirmed by the wideout himself, the Bengals are placing the franchise tag on Higgins for the second straight offseason.

New England Patriots No Longer Pursuing Cincinnati Bengals Star Receiver Tee Higgins in Free Agency. The Bengals plan on using the franchise tag on Higgins by the March 4 deadline.

The Bengals placed the franchise tag on Tee Higgins for the second consecutive year, meaning the New England Patriots will have to address their need at wide receiver elsewhere.

The New England Patriots could desperately use a star wide receiver, and they are expected to be in the market for landing one this offseason. Most expected Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins to be the primary target for the Patriots,

The New England Patriots will have to keep looking for the next addition to their receiving corps. The Pats' rumored top free agency target, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins, is staying in The Queen City for another year.

Tee Higgins is regarded by many as the #1 free agent of the 2025 cycle, although the consensus opinion has remained that the Cincinnati Bengals will apply the franchise tag to him prior to Tuesday’s deadline.

Granted, that would cost the Patriots more in the form of draft capital, but they could still get their guy. Higgins would be a perfect addition for the New England offense. He is