NFL Rumors: Patriots missed out on blockbuster swing for $92,000,000 All-Pro WR

The New England Patriots reportedly took a blockbuster swing to sign a top free agent this past offseason. The Patriots offense had been an issue all season except for rookie quarterback Drake Maye.

With New England selecting Maye, the Patriots wanted to give him some weapons. According to MassLive's Mark Daniels on Friday, the Patriots tried to sign star receiver Calvin Ridley this past offseason.

“The Patriots front office found that out the hard way this past offseason. Multiple sources told MassLive that the team struck out on their top two free agent targets – wide receiver Calvin Ridley and defensive tackle Christian Wilkins," Daniels wrote. "The Patriots offered to make up the difference in taxes for Ridley, who turned them down to sign with Tennessee."

Ridley would have been the Patriots' No. 1 receiver and would have bolstered their offense. However, the wide receiver signed a four-year, $92,000,000 deal with the Tennessee Titans. In his first year with them, he caught 61 passes for 941 yards and four touchdowns.

After not signing Ridley, New England ended up bringing back Kendrick Bourne while also signing K.J. Osborn and Jalen Reagor, but the Pats missed out on having a bona fide No. 1 receiver.

Patriots will be aggressive in free agency to land impact receiver

After missing out on Calvin Ridley in 2024, the New England Patriots plan to be aggressive in the 2025 offseason. According to The Athletic's Chad Graff, the Patriots will be aggressive in trying to sign Cincinnati Bengals star receiver Tee Higgins.

"Here’s an easy guess simply from reading the tea leaves: The Patriots are going to be all in on Tee Higgins," Graff wrote. "They’ve shown an interest in established receivers, and Higgins is the best free agent. I expect them to offer him the moon. The question is whether he says yes or no.

"Now, if they offer Higgins more than anyone else and pair him with Maye, maybe that overcomes being in a rebuild in a cold-weather market."

The Patriots have a clear need for a true No. 1 receiver, and Graff believes the goal is for the team to add more weapons for Drake Maye for his sophomore season.

New England will end its 2024 NFL season on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills. The Patriots are 3-13, and if they lose, they will have the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft.