Jason LaCanfora: Pats really want Higgins "He's going to New England"

[SlowGettingUp]

Here's the full article:

What I’m hearing at the NFL combine: Patriots prioritizing the trenches (not Tee Higgins)

After a 4-13 campaign in 2024, Eliot Wolf and the Patriots are expected to transform their offensive and defensive lines this offseason.

www.nytimes.com

 

[Ross12]

I'd be fine with trading for Deebo, Kirk or Kupp as the Z, keep playing Boutte as the X, and sign Slayton as a free agent. Will they be electric? No, but probably competent, if the team really prioritizes and invests deeply in the OL.

 

[Brotherblues]

This might be true, since it aligns with Vrabel's stated philosophy, but this is also the kinda thing you'd say for leverage purposes. Cincy is saying "we're gonna tag him!!! For real!!! Get ready to send us your high picks!!!" so the Pats are saying "not interested in him actually lol good luck with that though"

My first thought as well. Not buying it.

I'd rather come away from free agency with a starting LT, DE, and DT anyway.

It's not either/or. There's cap for shoring up both lines AND raising the floor on the WR room. And there'd STILL be at least 40M to carry over to next season.

Building a team isn't about skill positions vs lines. It's building a complete team with no crippling weaknesses.

 

[PatsFan2]

My first thought as well. Not buying it.

It's not either/or. There's cap for shoring up both lines AND raising the floor on the WR room. And there'd STILL be at least 40M to carry over to next season.

Building a team isn't about skill positions vs lines. It's building a complete team with no crippling weaknesses.

 

[Love The Drake]

I got a feeling Vrabel wouldn’t show his hand his true intentions, thinking he wants both.

 

[PatsFan2]

I got a feeling Vrabel wouldn’t show his hand his true intentions, thinking he wants both.

Our Current WR's couldn't get open if Maye had 10 second to throw. That's how Highly I think of them.

 

[ViperGTS]

Our Current WR's couldn't get open if Maye had 10 second to throw. That's how Highly I think of them.

I actually have faith McD will have no issues getting them open. Also, if the line can block consistently for more than 1 second...it will make it easier for them to uncover. Fix the offensive line, make it a weapon and you will see a big, big change.

 

[Ross12]

But has he been tagged yet?

No, they have simply claimed that they intend to tag him, and there are only 5 days left to do so.

The leaked it out early that they intend to tag him in order to start drumming up a trade market. In reality, I don't think they will actually tag him unless they have a trade partner in place immediately, as the tag will immediately hit their cap for $26M. They will want to get that off the books right away.

The Patriots are one of the most logical suitors, so by saying "we actually don't even want him" then that severely dampens the market and conversation and increases the likelihood that Higgins won't be tagged at all and will simply become a UFA. I wouldn't be surprised if they are coordinating with Higgins' agent on this.

 

[Hyped]

I got a feeling Vrabel wouldn’t show his hand his true intentions, thinking he wants both.

 

[signbabybrady]

No, they have simply claimed that they intend to tag him, and there are only 5 days left to do so.

The leaked it out early that they intend to tag him in order to start drumming up a trade market. In reality, I don't think they will actually tag him unless they have a trade partner in place immediately, as the tag will immediately hit their cap for $26M. They will want to get that off the books right away.

The Patriots are one of the most logical suitors, so by saying "we actually don't even want him" then that severely dampens the market and conversation and increases the likelihood that Higgins won't be tagged at all and will simply become a UFA. I wouldn't be surprised if they are coordinating with Higgins' agent on this.

 

[Grogan14]

Love to hear this!
This is how you build a team.
LFG Vrabel and Wolf

Latest report slams door on Patriots' pursuit of top wide receiver

The New England Patriots are reportedly out on pursuing Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins.

sports.yahoo.com

 

[PaulThePat]

Thoughts and prayers for Drake. Another season of his development throwing to JAGS

 

[PatsFan2]

It was already mentioned Sam.

 

[PatsFan2]

Thoughts and prayers for Drake. Another season of his development throwing to JAGS

 

[Grogan14]

It was already mentioned Sam.

Apologies

 

[Rob0729]

The lines are more important in the initial stages of a rebuild. So I am not truly upset as long as they do a good job in those areas. Passing on Higgins and getting average players on the lines are not enough. They need to get several solid to impact starters on both sides of the ball this offseason probably even before the draft.

 

[imahobgoblin]

Thoughts and prayers for Drake. Another season of his development throwing to JAGS

Drama queens like you don't really help much. Its as if you think the Pats can waive a magic want and get Higgins to New England because, hey thats what you can do in fantasy football or video games. Higgins in not a free agent yet. The Bengals have all the power and can tag him by March 4. If they don't, they have 6 days to get a contract done. It is out of the Patriots control. All the Patriots can do is play the cards they are given.

Drake doesn't need your thoughts and prayers. Reality says this free agent class and draft are weak in WRs. If Higgins or good talent is not available in this cycle, you be patient, look for trades, and do your best in the draft. Puka Nacua ring a bell? This rebuild will take time.

 

[ErniesPinkStripes]

Thoughts and prayers for Drake. Another season of his development throwing to JAGS

I think that's that idea behind rebuilding the lines first

 

[PatriotSpy]

Thoughts and prayers for Drake. Another season of his development throwing to JAGS

If you want to throw to explosive receivers, you don't play for the Patriots. Overall, we're more workman like at the WR position notwithstanding a few years here and there.

I get it, the upper hand in trench warfare spearheads victories but it would be nice to have a better blend inside and outside the trenches.

 

[hornetfb85]

Not sure what all the ****ing tears are about. Maye proved last year that when he had time, and even when he didn’t, that he can be successful with the crap set of receivers we had. Build up the lines, protect him, and add some solid pieces around him. 100% behind focusing on the OL/DL