NFL Insider Connects Patriots To Impending Star Free Agent

The Patriots didn't have to defend Bengals star Tee Higgins on Sunday when they visited Cincinnati for a Week 1 showdown.

That could remain the case for years to come, as there seemingly is a chance the wide receiver could call New England home after the 2024 NFL season concludes.

Appearing on "Patriots Pregame Live" before New England's win over Cincinnati, which Higgins missed due to a hamstring injury, Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer pinpointed the 2020 second-round pick as a potential offseason target for the Patriots.

"Tee Higgins is either going to be a free agent or they're gonna tag him with the intention of trading him after the year," Breer said, as transcribed by NBC Sports Boston. "Either way, Tee Higgins will be available. He's somebody I think you certainly could look at."

New England fans might not want to get their hopes up about the possibility of Higgins catching passes at Gillette Stadium. Offseason decisions made by a pair of other star wideouts -- Calvin Ridley and Brandon Aiyuk -- reinforced the notion that top playmakers aren't very interested in joining the Patriots these days.

That said, the perception could change quickly if New England puts together an encouraging 2024 season. So far, so good, as there were many bright spots in the Patriots' overall performance against Higgins' Bengals last week.