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Tee Higgins to the Patriots? Here are the best WRs who will reach free agency originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
The New England Patriots seem to have found his next franchise quarterback in Drake Maye. Now, they must find their prized third overall draft pick with the playmakers.
New England’s wide receiver room remains a major weakness even after addressing the position in the 2024 draft. While second-round pick Ja’Lynn Polk and fourth-round pick Javon Baker could still develop into impact players, their rookie campaigns have left much to be desired.
The patriots stayed quiet at the NFL trade deadlineso they will have to wait until the offseason to make the necessary improvements to their offense. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, they are expected to be active in the free agent market to find help for their promising young caller.
“The Patriots are disappointed with the offensive line and receiver play, but feel they have several players to help the cause in 2025 and beyond.” Fowler wrote in his Week 12 column.. …
“And Maye’s play has energized the building. The Pats got it right at the most important position. Expect New England to once again work in free agency to catch passes and help the offensive line to maximize Maye’s impact.
That’s an encouraging update, but are there any impending free agents capable of being Maye’s number one target for years to come? Let’s take a look at the top wide receivers hitting the open market. . .
tee higgins
Age: 26
At just 26 years old, Higgins is easily the most intriguing option on this roster for the rebuilding Patriots. The Cincinnati Bengals are expected to release the Clemson product in free agency, opening up a perfect opportunity for him to become Maye’s new No. 1 target.
Higgins has been hampered by injuries the past two seasons, but when healthy, he has been among the most productive receivers in the league. He has 295 receptions for 4,173 yards and 28 touchdowns in 64 games played over five seasons with Cincy.
With several teams sure to look for help for their receivers, Higgins will cost a pretty penny. Still, with such a glaring need at the position, there’s no reason the Patriots shouldn’t be among the highest bidders for his services.
Stephen Diggs
Age: 30
Diggs’ name jumps out because he has been one of the best receivers in the NFL for almost a decade. However, the four-time Pro Bowler suffered a torn ACL in October, and by the time he reaches 30, his best days will likely be behind him.
The argument for signing Diggs? He had six consecutive seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards and was on pace to eclipse that mark again with the Houston Texans before his injury. Since this is a damaged product, its price should be lower than the other options on this list.
That said, Diggs’ age and injury make him an imperfect person to build a team around a rookie quarterback. Unfortunately for New England, most of the names on this list are either injury prone or past their prime.
Keenan Allen
Age: 33
The Chicago Bears added Allen and DJ Moore in hopes of reviving their offense with No. 1 draft pick Caleb Williams throwing the ball to them. Those moves have not borne fruit as the group remains dysfunctional heading into Week 12.
Allen has 30 receptions for 282 yards and two touchdowns in eight games played this season. Last year with the Los Angeles Chargers, he had 108 receptions for 1,243 yards and seven touchdowns in 13 games.
Like Diggs, Allen is an elite talent with injury issues. And as great as he was in 2023, it’s fair to say the six-time Pro Bowler is nearing the end of his NFL career.
Amari Cooper
Age: 31
When Cooper signs this upcoming offseason, it could be with his fourth team since 2021. The five-time Pro Bowler has played for the Dallas Cowboys, Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills in that span.
Cooper was traded from Cleveland to Buffalo before this year’s deadline. Between poor quarterback play and injuries, it’s been a difficult season for the veteran receiver. However, Cooper entered the season with at least 1,114 yards in four of his last five seasons. There’s still plenty left in the tank, and he would be a reliable option for Maye to lean on in his first full season as the Patriots’ starting quarterback.
Chris Godwin
Age: 29
Godwin’s 2024 season ended prematurely due to a devastating ankle injury. Before he went down, he was on pace for his fifth 1,000-yard season in six years. He has been one of the most consistent wide receivers in the game when healthy.
His injury should not deter teams from signing him. Godwin has come back strong from an injury that ended his season earlier, as he tore his ACL and MCL in 2021. He will be just 29 years old next season, making him one of the oldest receivers. young people among the best options in this year’s class.
DeAndre Hopkins
Age: 33
Hopkins’ days as arguably the best wide receiver in football are over, but he remains a solid option as he approaches his 30s. The three-time All-Pro selection produced a 1,057-yard, seven-touchdown season with the lowly Tennessee Titans in 2023. He hasn’t enjoyed the same success in 10 games with the Titans and Kansas City Chiefs this year, but that’s largely due to . because of the poor QB play he had to endure at Tennessee.
The Patriots missed out on Hopkins in the 2022 offseason. Perhaps the opportunity to work with a promising young QB could prompt him to sign next spring.
Diontae Johnson
Age: 29
Johnson was traded to the Carolina Panthers last offseason after five solid years with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was traded again before the deadline to the Baltimore Ravens.
He led the Panthers with 30 receptions, 357 yards and three touchdowns before being sent to Baltimore, where he has been a non-factor in his first three games with the team. While Johnson would immediately slot in as the Patriots’ top wide receiver, New England should probably aim higher if it wants a bona fide No. 1 option.
Marquise “Hollywood” Brown
Age: 28
Brown has yet to play this season with the Chiefs due to injury. Last season with the Arizona Cardinals, he recorded 51 receptions for a career-low 574 yards and four touchdowns. His best season was 2021 with the Ravens, when he recorded 91 receptions for 1,008 yards and six touchdowns.
While his injury is concerning, Brown’s speed makes him an intriguing receiver to pair with a strong-arm quarterback. He’s also likely one of the more affordable options on this list, although the Patriots shouldn’t spend any money in their efforts to improve their offense.