Even though the top player on many rankings may not be available on the open market, there is a fairly decent group
of veteran wide outs who could become unrestricted free agents in the NFL next month.
Wide receiver Tee Higgins of the Cincinnati Bengals has the option to become an unrestricted free agency. As a very
talented player toward the end of his career, he would probably attract a lot of interest if he were available.
However, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic states that “the writing is on the wall and all expectations are the Bengals
will use a franchise tag on Higgins.” The Bengals have the option to franchise him.
potent offense, he recorded consecutive 1,000-yard seasons in 2021 and 2022.
The New England Patriots, who desperately need an impact wide receiver and have the third-most salary cap room
(about $70 million, according to Spotrac), would not benefit from Higgins staying in Cincinnati.
In the event that Higgins is never made available via trade or free agency, the Patriots may choose to consider some
of the other prominent wide receivers who may become available. One possible choice is Calvin Ridley, who played
well for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2023. Phil Perry, our Patriots insider, argued in favor of Ridley in a recent piece
about wide outs the Patriots ought to target.
former Alabama standout had a 1,000-yard season in 2023 after missing all of 2022 because of a gambling penalty
and half of 2021 because he left the Falcons for mental health issues. In addition to being a bigger player than
(Marquise) Brown (6-foot-1, 190), he is a more explosive option than Pittman. Pro Football Focus reports that Ridley
may be able to negotiate for a contract worth roughly $16.5 million a year. If that is the case, the Patriots could offer
him a three-year contract with a $9 million salary cost in the first year. This would give them plenty of money to sign
a free agency quarterback in the second slot and a starting-quality tackle.” The Patriots need to drastically improve
the caliber of players on their wide receiver depth chart, whether through free agency, trades, or the draft. Demario
Douglas cannot be their starting wide receiver or their number-two option come 2024. Additionally, New England
has no reason not to add a significant player at this time given the abundance of premium draft picks and cap room
available.
