Despite the offseason upgrades and re-signings, there are still some lingering questions surrounding the New England Patriots wide receivers. Can Julian Edelman repeat the success? Will Danny Amendola finally show up on the field? Can Rob Gronkowski get healthy? There are question marks with how well their depth can hang on which might cause the Patriots to make move which might come in the form of free agency or a trade if the team can pull it off.
Gronkowski stresses that he will be healthy for the first game of 2014. After battling injuries for the better part of two years, the tight end does not intend to rush himself back into action, but does believe he can be ready when the season begins. However, behind Gronkowski, there is not a lot of productive depth. The Patriots re-signed backup Michael Hoomanawanui while bringing in two undrafted free agents. However, they do not offer much confidence heading into the season should Gronkowski get injured again.
According to ESPNBoston.com, the Patriots are still interested in signing Dustin Keller off the free agent market prior to opening up training camp. The veteran is coming off a severe leg injury himself, but says that he has been medically cleared to play after missing the entire season. Given the thin roster at receivers, signing Keller is a no harm, no foul situation. He would likely agree to a veteran's minimum contract which will not hurt the Patriots financially. He would be a quality backup to Gronkowski with veteran playoff experience.
Keller and Jermichael Finley have been battling for attention on the open market as both make their way back from injuries. Keller has the upperhand because he has been medically cleared by a personal doctor. Finley is undergoing more health tests to determine if playing this year is even going to be an option for him.
The Patriots are also one against being linked to a trade involving Andre Johnson. The wide receiver has gone silent after expressing his displeasure with the Houston Texans and according to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport the team is at risk of being forced to move him before the season starts. Financially speaking, it makes zero sense for Houston to trade the receiver with how much dead money they will eat. But if available, the Patriots could make the move. They have enough cap space and enough players to work around that it would not be out of the question. He would be an upgrade from even Amendola.
Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels has said that he has full confidence in the group of receivers the Patriots are bringing into training camp. He believes everyone has matured into better players in the offseason. However, if there is a chance to upgrade to a player like Johnson, the Patriots cannot be expected to say no.
