The contract saga between the Cincinnati Bengals and Tee Higgins resembles a rollercoaster. One second, Joe Burrow's public assault on the franchise makes it seem like a long-term deal is inevitable.

While the NFL free agent market doesn't appear as star-studded this season compared to years past, one potential game-changing wide receiver could be available.

Per Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer, the Bengals are expected to franchise-tag wide receiver Tee Higgins before the window closes on March 4 at 4 p.m. ET. After tagging Higgins, the Bengals would have until July 15 to sign the 26-year-old to a long-term deal.

The narrative is slowly swinging back in a positive direction for the Cincinnati Bengals and star wideout Tee Higgins. During the early bits of the scouting combine, word went out that a team like the New England Patriots isn't all that interested in Higgins anymore.

Patriots fans have been clamoring for the team to make a big splash in free agency this year. According to a new rumor, that won't come in the form of Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins. The Bengals have said they hope keep Higgins in their future plans,

With the most cap space in the NFL this coming free agent cycle, the shiny toy on the top of fans' wish lists for the New England Patriots was to land Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins. Well,

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins is seen as one of the top free agents available this offseason, but the New England Patriots reportedly do not plan to pursue him. According to Chad Graff of The Athletic,

The New England Patriots will need to add weapons for Drake Maye this offseason and a trade for Tee Higgins of the Cincinnati Bengals is on the table.