New Hampshire native Ryan Griffin
Having multiple tight ends who can both block and catch the ball adds at least another chapter to a team's playbook. Although the Patriots have done quite well when having just one on their game day roster, the search to having a tight end tandem is definitely on the mind of every Patriots enthusiast. Looking towards the free agent signing period and the draft, here are my thoughts.
Former Patriot Tim Wright
ROB GRONKOWSKI- He turns 28 in May and we have him signed for the next 3 years. With his cap hit if cut being bigger than his 2017 salary, there is no reason to even think about doing anything this season. A restructuring of his contract in the upcoming seasons as a way to shift money from one year to the next and extend him, should definitely be in play.
MARTELLUS BENNETT- While the "Black Dr. Seuss" had some good plays for us this season and is a good twitter follow, I don't think there is any reason for the Patriots to try and sign him. Even if Bennett doesn't end up "breaking the bank" as Gronk wants him to, I think we can find a decent replacement for a lot less money. Besides, there are plenty of other players on the team who I would prefer get some of that money.
MATT LENGEL- The 26 year-old signed with the Patriots November 2nd. Less than two months later he caught his first NFL touchdown pass during the Christmas Eve shellacking of the Jets. He played in all three postseason games including the Super Bowl where he played both on offense and special teams. Contract Situation- Exclusive Rights Free Agent, in other words, he's ours if we offer him a minimum qualifying offer. In my opinion, it's a no brainer that we keep him around. After all,he is 6'7" 266 and athletic enough (played basketball and defensive end in high school).
ROB HOUSLER- Free agent signed to a future contract. 6'5" 250 from Texas. Housler played college ball at Florida Atlantic and was the 69th pick of the 2011 draft (so Gronk is going to be his new BFF). Chances are that the Patriots saw something they liked last August as Housler was with the Bears when the teams held joint practices in Foxboro. His most productive years were in 2012 and 2013 when he was with the Cardinals. During that time he caught 84 of 125 passes for 871 yards. 54 of Rob's 109 career receptions have been for first downs.
MATT LENGEL- The 26 year-old signed with the Patriots November 2nd. Less than two months later he caught his first NFL touchdown pass during the Christmas Eve shellacking of the Jets. He played in all three postseason games including the Super Bowl where he played both on offense and special teams. Contract Situation- Exclusive Rights Free Agent, in other words, he's ours if we offer him a minimum qualifying offer. In my opinion, it's a no brainer that we keep him around. After all,he is 6'7" 266 and athletic enough (played basketball and defensive end in high school).
ROB HOUSLER- Free agent signed to a future contract. 6'5" 250 from Texas. Housler played college ball at Florida Atlantic and was the 69th pick of the 2011 draft (so Gronk is going to be his new BFF). Chances are that the Patriots saw something they liked last August as Housler was with the Bears when the teams held joint practices in Foxboro. His most productive years were in 2012 and 2013 when he was with the Cardinals. During that time he caught 84 of 125 passes for 871 yards. 54 of Rob's 109 career receptions have been for first downs.
POTENTIAL FREE AGENTS AND DRAFT PICKS- Both the draft and free agent market are loaded with tight ends this year. CBS Sports is projecting 5 tight ends getting picked in the first two rounds. While there are a few rookies I think the Patriots should look before the draft, here are some of the free agents I think the Patriots should go after this week.
RYAN GRIFFIN- Griffin is from New Hampshire and played his college ball at UConn. He's played his entire NFL career for the Houston Texans which includes three years with Bill O'Brien. The 6'6" 265 free agent had 50 receptions this season.
TIM WRIGHT- Wright was with the Patriots during the 2014 season as he was part of the Logan Mankins trade. That season he had a career best 6 touchdowns. Compare that to Bennett's 7 this season and Wright looks like a great bargain. Since leaving New England, Wright played one season in Detroit and sat out this season with a torn ACL.
RYAN GRIFFIN- Griffin is from New Hampshire and played his college ball at UConn. He's played his entire NFL career for the Houston Texans which includes three years with Bill O'Brien. The 6'6" 265 free agent had 50 receptions this season.
TIM WRIGHT- Wright was with the Patriots during the 2014 season as he was part of the Logan Mankins trade. That season he had a career best 6 touchdowns. Compare that to Bennett's 7 this season and Wright looks like a great bargain. Since leaving New England, Wright played one season in Detroit and sat out this season with a torn ACL.
If you like what you've read here, share with your friends and follow @BOSsportschick on twitter.
RSS Feed
