Patriots Fans Who Want Tee Higgins Will Despise By This Report

The Patriots will have plenty of money to spend this offseason, but fans should temper expectations for a flashy signing.

Tee Higgins long was the prize for many fans. New England’s chances to sign the star wide receiver took a hit after it was reported that the Cincinnati Bengals would use the franchise tag on him. But it doesn’t seem like the Patriots were too bummed out about the report.

“New England’s blueprint for the offseason does not include pursuing Higgins,” The Athletic’s Chad Graff reported Thursday.

Graff added that the Patriots’ No. 1 goal for the offseason is to build through the offensive and defensive lines. Those sentiments were echoed by Mike Vrabel and Eliot Wolf at the NFL Scouting Combine this week.

There seemed to be hope that New England could pursue Higgins with questions about the Bengals’ intentions. Cincinnati also wants to extend Ja’Marr Chase and Trey Hendrickson, so Higgins could be the odd man out. So that was why Graff’s report still was a sour note for fans who dreamed of Drake Maye throwing passes to Higgins.

Instead, according to Graff, the Patriots are expected “to feel out” the wide receiver trade market which includes names like Cooper Kupp and Deebo Samuel.

New England might not be expected to make a flashy move, but the steps taken this offseason could help lead to a much-needed turnaround.