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.
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.