Although it is becoming increasingly difficult, the team could improve and sign Tee Higgins, as JuJu Smith-Schuster did not work out with the New England Patriots.
In exchange for Higgins, the Patriots could send Smith-Schuster and a fourth-round pick to the Cincinnati Bengals. Despite being the subject of trade rumors during the offseason, Higgins recently declared his desire to remain in Cincinnati, even with the $21.81 million franchise tag attached to him.
On April 14, Higgins said to WLWT, “I do anticipate it.” “I didn’t think I would fall in love with Cincy, but I’m looking forward to it,” the man said.
Surpasses Spotrac’s $18.6 million yearly estimate, he is expected to sign a four-year contract worth $74.4 million. Higgins submitted a trade request on March 11th, without a long-term contract in Cincinnati, and his remarks at a youth football camp do not necessarily refute them.
Prior to his most recent NFSW social media post igniting trade rumors once more, the Boston Herald reports that New England had sought to offload Smith-Schuster this offseason. In 11 games in 2023, he recorded 29 receptions for 260 yards and a touchdown in a season marred by injuries.
That is far less than the $25.5 million, or three-year contract, he signed with the team in 2023 following a one-year agreement with the Kansas City Chiefs. Smith-Schuster had a fantastic 2022 campaign with the Chiefs, recording 78 receptions for 933 yards and three touchdowns.
The Patriots may choose to use a third-round pick in place of Smith-Schuster and a fourth-round pick if the Bengals decline to trade up. The Patriots would do well to make a larger offer in a trade if necessary, considering they were not able to acquire more gifted receivers like Calvin Ridley this offseason.
The Patriots may possibly decide to pass on Smith-Schuster and only acquire Higgins in exchange for the No. 34 second-round pick. On April 8, Alex Kay of Bleacher Report suggested making that trade, which would also net the Patriots a sixth-round pick. With $37.78 million in salary cap space, the Patriots have enough money to acquire a star player without having to trade a pick.
Kay stated that the Pats would have a difficult time locating a superior trade candidate than Higgins. “He has enough experience to offer experienced insight and leadership both on the field and in the locker room, but he’s also young enough to develop with their rookie quarterback for the foreseeable future.”
