Tee Higgins, WR, Cincinnati Bengals Higgins has been connected to the Patriots for months, and it surely will continue. The 25-year-old is playing on Cincinnati’s franchise tag and will hit the open market in March. Surprisingly, the 3-5 Bengals are third in the division and currently outside the playoff picture. If by some chance Cincy is open to dealing Higgins for draft capital before the deadline, the Patriots would be wise to make it happen with the expectation he signs a long-term deal.
Jakobi Meyers, WR, Las Vegas Raiders A reunion with Meyers surely would be something Patriots fans could get behind. Bill Belichick’s Patriots signed JuJu Smith-Schuster instead of Meyers before the 2023 campaign and it aged terribly. Smith-Schuster was cut this offseason while Meyers has had success in Las Vegas. Meyers’ contract is set to expire after 2025 and the 2-6 Raiders already traded Davante Adams.
Evan Neal, OT, New York Giants This is a dart throw for a once premier talent. The 2022 first-round pick hasn’t played an offensive snap this season after a combination of injuries (21 games in three seasons) and inconsistent play. Neal sits behind 29-year-old journeyman Jermaine Eluemunor, who has another year under contract. Perhaps the 2-6 Giants would trade Neal for a draft pick given he’s closing in on his fifth-year option and becoming less valuable with each passing day. The Patriots could try to provide Neal a change of scenery in hopes that helps the Alabama product.
Taylor Moton, OT, Carolina Panthers Cam Robinson would’ve found his name on this list if he wasn’t traded this week. Moton is on the opposite end of the spectrum as Neal. The 30-year-old offensive tackle signed a five-year, $85 million extension which will expire after the 2025 season. If the 1-7 Panthers wanted to recoup something for Moton, trading him could be in play. Moton wouldn’t be the long-term offensive tackle for the Patriots, but he would be New England’s best pass-blocker and allow Mike Onwenu to move from right tackle to right guard — and stay there. He would provide short-term stability in front of Drake Maye while the Patriots bring other offensive tackles (who they’ll draft) up to speed.
Jeremiah Ledbetter, DT, Jacksonville Jaguars ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler included Ledbetter in a recent trade rumor with the 2-6 Jaguars struggling. Ledbetter is playing on an expiring contract, but perhaps Eliot Wolf and company could gain a sense if he would remain in New England after 2024. Ledbetter ranks 15th among defensive tackles when it comes to run defense, per Pro Football Focus. The 6-foot-3, 300-pound defensive tackle started three games for the Jaguars this season.
