3 remaining options for Patriots at tight end
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - When Rob Gronkowski chose to retire this past March everyone, including myself, thought that the Patriots would sign a big name free agent or select one early in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Well, it turns out we were all wrong.
Instead, New England signed a 38-year-old Ben Watson, Matt LaCosse, and an undrafted rookie free agent in Andrew Beck. Former Houston Texan Stephen Anderson and last years seventh-round pick Ryan Izzo round out the group.
It should come as no surprise that this current tight end group inspires little to no confidence, especially when you consider Ben Watson is suspended for the first four games of the regular season.
After the failed Michael Roberts trade, it seems that the Patriots understand the group's shortcomings which is why they are still looking to add more competition at the position.
Having said that, let's take a look at three possible moves that would help bolster the current tight end group in New England.
1.) Ryan Griffin
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Ryan Griffin was released by the Houston Texans after being arrested this past April for public intoxication. If the Patriots are able to look past this, then signing Griffin would make a lot of sense.
The former University of Connecticut tight end recorded 24 receptions for 304 yards in the 2018 season. While those numbers aren't anything to write home about, Griffin has five more years of true NFL experience than any other tight end on the roster not named Ben Watson.
His best season came in 2016 when he recorded 50 receptions for 442 yards and two scores. If you are wondering why Griffin's name sounds so familiar it's because he played extremely well against New England in both the 2016 and 2017 seasons.
In 2016, Griffin caught eight passes for 52 yards in a 27-0 loss against the Patriots. When the teams faced off the very next season, Griffin recorded 6 receptions for 61 yards and a score.
Signing Griffin should be a no brainer if New England is serious about adding depth at the position.
2.) Tyler Higbee
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With the emergence of Gerald Everett in Los Angeles, Tyler Higbee might be expendable for the Rams. A trade between Super Bowl LIII opponents could present a win-win situation for both teams.
The Rams would net a fifth or sixth round pick and the Patriots will add a player that immediately improves their tight end situation.
Over the past two seasons, Higbee has recorded 587 yards and three scores. During that span, he has started in 32 straight regular season games. Durability at the tight end position would be a refreshing change of pace for New England
What you're getting in Higbee is a smooth route runner with great hands. The former fourth-round pick actually started his collegiate career as a wide receiver which speaks volumes about his athleticism. He has also steadily improved as a run blocker throughout his career as a pro.
If New England chooses to trade for Higbee he would easily be one of the more talented tight ends on the current roster.
3.) Cameron Brate
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A trade for Cameron Brate would be a dream scenario For Patriots fans. Over the past three seasons Brate has recorded 20 touchdown receptions. To put that number in perspective, Gronkowski recorded just 14 touchdowns over the past three seasons.
While Brate certainly is not Gronkowski, he is viewed as one of the better tight ends in the league. With Tom Brady as his quarterback, he would have an excellent chance to make his first pro bowl in his five-year career.
Compared to the other two scenarios, this one appears to be the least likely. Yes, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers already have a great tight end in O.J. Howard, but it appears that the Buccaneers are unwilling to part with Brate after recently signing him to a six-year $40.8 million contract just over a year ago.
With that being said, if the Buccaneers plan on resigning quarterback Jameis Winston then Brate's contract would be the first to go. It wouldn't make sense paying two starting-caliber tight ends when you still have Howard on his rookie contract.
Depending on how the 2019 season plays out, this could be a trade that happens closer to the trade deadline.
Bonus: convince Rob Gronkowski to come out of retirement
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Ok, I lied. This scenario is the least likely of all. While reports have recently surfaced that Gronkowski is coming back, don't count on it.
People seem to forget that the main reason Gronkowski retired was that his body was in too much physical pain to continue playing the game he loves. It wasn't because he wanted to pursue an acting career or grew tired of the "Patriot Way."
If you remember correctly, there wasn't even a guarantee that Gronkowski was going to play at all this past season. He seriously considered retiring after New England lost to the Philadephia Eagles in Super Bowl LII.
Given his injury history it is hard to blame him. A vertebral disc hernia in college, a forearm fracture in 2013, a vertebral fracture in the same season, a torn ACL and MCL, and multiple recorded concussions are just a handful of the injuries that Gronkowski has suffered throughout his career.
It was easy to see that Gronkowski was not the same player he once was this past season. He looked slower, less explosive and in result, his ability to separate from defenders dropped off dramatically. While he showed flashes at times over the course of the season, he was essentially a shell of the player he once was. If Gronkowski does decide to come back, he would look more like this version of himself rather than the dominant version in years past.
With that being said, a slowed-down Gronkowski is a better option than any tight end on their current roster. Maybe Gronk just needs to take some time to relax and not think about football. Ease back on his training and just enjoy life without having to think about OTAs or training camp. By the time regular season games roll around, he just might have that itch to play again.
While this is the most unlikely scenario out of all three options, it is still something to seriously consider. The failure to truly address the tight end position speaks volumes, and maybe it's because the Patriots know something that we don't.
