Danny Amendola has heard the rumors. For most of the offseason a lot of speculation has risen regarding his future with the New England Patriots. After signing a five-year deal worth $28 million in free agency last season, he pulled a disappearing act suffering from numerous injuries and failing to develop any kind of chemistry with quarterback Tom Brady. Now reportedly healthy, the wide receiver is simply focused on proving everyone worng.
Amendola was supposed to replace Wes Welker and his habit of 100-catch seasons. However, that was not the case. The receiver missed four games thanks to reoccurring injuries, barley making an impact when he was on the field. Instead, Julian Edelman had a career-high season with 1,056 yards and six touchdowns, stealing the Amendola spotlight and making him look replaceable.
To make matters worse, the Patriots re-signed Edelman while also bringing in Brandon LaFell for help with the lack of production that occurred last season. That is why trade rumors ran wild. Amendola's contract pretty much killed any potential deal for the veteran, leaving the Patriots to consider keeping him on for one more season and giving him a second chance. Amendola intends on taking advantage of it.
"I don't make any excuses," Amendola said, via Boston Globe. "Just try to play the best I can, every game. I don't really even think about it. I'm totally focused on the future. Really optimistic, and really excited."
Financially, Amendola will not be released from New England this season. Before June 1, it would have cost the team $6.8 million in cap space to cut the receiver. Now, the Patriots could still seek out a trade of the wide receiver and spread out that money over the next two years to help the cap hit. The pressure is on the receiver to live up to his contract. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels praised the work that he has done so far, but also noted that all of the rookies last season have come back looking better than ever.
McDaniels noted that both Aaron Dobson and Kenbrell Thompkins were looking strong in OTAs so far, leaving the coordinator confident that the team is not in need of help in the passing game. If Amendola fails to improve during offseason workouts, the Patriots could still seek a deal knowing that they are fine without him.
New England still lacks in the tight end position. With Rob Gronkowski's injury history, the team could use another body. They have looked at both Jermichael Finley and Dustin Keller after both were medically cleared by personal doctors. However, after visits, contracts were not handed out, so it remains to be seen just how concerned New England is over the issue.