The New England Patriots need Rob Gronkowski healthy. The team realized last season that Tom Brady can only do so much and they need an upgraded wide receiving corps in order to make a stronger run at the playoffs come next season. They have taken steps in that direction after re-signing Julian Edelman and bringing in Brandon LaFell, but they still need a top target to cover the middle. As Gronkowski doubts his health and timetable for a return, could a free agent be a target in the future?
Gronkowski is still rehabbing after suffering a gruesome leg injury that resulted in an ACL and MCL tear. Pair that with the reoccurring back injury and arm issues a season ago and Gronkowski has a lot to heal. The tight end has been present at offseason team workouts, but is still a long ways from being medically cleared. According to Gronkowski, he is improving but it is too early to tell when he will be back in full force.
"Oh man, that's too far away. I'm just improving every day right now," Gronkowski said, via "Hill-Man Show" on WAAF-FM. "I'm working hard every day to put myself in the best situation so that I'm ready. I'm actually improving every week. It's feeling good and coming along very well,"
Gronkowski suffered the injury on Dec. 8. He underwent surgery for the ACL in January and then was forced to wait a month before undergoing surgery on his MCL. His recovery has gone according to plan unlike last offseason when he suffered several unplanned surgeries for setbacks. While Gronkowski says that he is feeling better and anxious to get on the field, but is not expected to be ready for the Sept. 7 opener against the Miami Dolphins. That leaves a hole for the Patriots.
New England has looked at a lot of wide receivers in pre-draft visits, but have not glanced at any tight ends. This would leave them to the free agent market to make a signing. The Patriots have been linked to both Jermichael Finley and Dustin Keller, two tight ends also coming off of injuries. The Patriots will not make a move for either player until they have a better grasp on the health of Gronkowski. As training gets closer and it is clear the tight end will not be ready to participate, expect New England to make a big move and quickly.
