The dream of Tee Higgins signing with the New England Patriots in free agency came to an abrupt end on Friday night, after NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported the Cincinnati Bengals had informed the burgeoning star receiver they intend to use the franchise tag on him.
It’s no surprise considering there’s a win-now window clearly open in Cincinnati. Quarterback Joe Burrow will be healthy next season, and they’ll be looking to pair Higgins with Ja’Marr Chase for a possible Super Bowl run.
Even though it was expected, it still stings for the Patriots, who are in desperate need of a No.