The New England Patriots still have some questions to answer on offense after coming up short on a few free agency moves. After re-signing Julian Edelman and bringing on Brandon LaFell, the team is still looking for at least one other body to fill up the roster. According to tight end Owen Daniels, it was supposed to be him.
The Patriots have Rob Gronkowski penciled in as the starting tight end. The star has struggled with health over the past two seasons and could easily find himself injured once again this year after several surgeries. Aaron Hernandez played both wide out and moving tight end. He will not be back with the team again, causing the Patriots to look for other options.
According to ESPN.com, the Patriots were extremely interested in tight end Owen Daniels and even brought him in for a visit. Houston Texans' beat writer Tania Ganguli confirms that Daniels took a visit to New England after being released by his former team in free agency. The tight end eventually signed with the Baltimore Ravens, leaving the Patriots shorthanded.
New England is looking at several options for the upcoming NFL Draft, but are their still a few free agents worth taking a look at? The Patriots could be a candidate to take a look at Jermichael Finley who is currently hanging out on the market. The tight end is currently recovering from a fusion surgery after suffering a very serious neck injury during the 2013 season. He is a very risky signing since no one is sure exactly when Finley will be healthy, but he can be productive once on the field.
Finley has taken a few trips in free agency, but after a failed physical in Seattle, the phone has been quiet. The Green Bay Packers have said they are not ruling out bringing back Finley, but are planning on seeing how his health progresses first. The Patriots could easily sign Finley to a cheap contract if they remain interested in a versatile tight end.
Until then, the team will continue to look at wide receiver options in the upcoming draft. The Patriots have already worked out Kelvin Benjamin and are reportedly interested in Mike Evans and Marqise Lee as well. ESPN went on to report that the Patriots should not be ruled out of a possible trade up scenario too if they fail to sign anyone else between now and the draft.
