The New England Patriots needed to make upgrades to their wide receiving corps. The team failed to replace Wes Welker's productivity on the field even with the Danny Amendola signing. Quarterback Tom Brady did his best to make something out of nothing, but it was clear 2013's passing attack was lacking. After two key offseason signings, could New England also be targeting a rookie to add to the mix?
The first steps towards improving their offensive attack by re-signing leading receiver Julian Edelman. Last season, the receiver had a career-high season putting up 1,056 yards and six touchdowns. The next best receiver was Amendola who only put up 633 yards and two scores. That simply did not cut it for the Patriots.
New England followed up the Edelman extension by signing former Carolina Panthers wide receiver Brandon LaFell. The fifth-year pro put up 627 yards and five touchdowns last season at the arm of Cam Newton. He should be a solid addition to the receivers for Brady. However, New England might not be done with those additions.
Normally tight lipped over who they are targeting in the draft, NFL.com reports New England held a private workout for former Florida State receiver Kelvin Benjamin. The receiver is expected to be drafted in the first round and could easily be gone by the No. 29 pick the Patriots currently have. Not having an immediate need at the position, it seems unlikely the team would grab Benjamin in the first round, but the Patriots might not turn down a 6-foot-5 receiver.
The interest in Benjamin could easily be because Amendola's future with the team is currently unclear. Several NFL sources report the team is considering parting ways with the receiver after just one year. After signing Amendola to a large, multi-year contract, he suffered numerous injuries and failed to develop any kind of chemistry with Brady. Expected to fill the shoes of Welker, Amendola stood off the field more than on it.
Cutting Amendola does not make much sense for the Patriots financially and with the draft quickly approaching, a trade might be hard to find depending on his asking price. However, it appears the Patriots are looking at their options. If they do not want to spend a first-round pick on a receiver, players like Odell Beckham Jr. or Marqise Lee could be available.