The dream of Tee Higgins in the New England Patriots offense may already be dead with NFL free agency still about one month away.
The Cincinnati Bengals reportedly are expected to place the non-exclusive franchise tag on Higgins, preventing him from becoming an unrestricted free agent. Teams would still be able to negotiate a contract with the star wide receiver, but it would cost them two first-round draft picks if Cincinnati didn't match their offer.
If Higgins is indeed tagged, the receiver-needy Patriots would need to shift their attention to one of the other top wideouts in free agency or the trade market.