(Kim Klement/US PRESSWIRE)
One of this week’s NFL rumors is that New England Patriots are looking to sign yet another tight end. In 2011,the Patriots began using the tight end position prominently in the passing game and they will be doing so again this season. But even with an unusual amount of tight ends already on the roster, it’s rumored that the team is looking to sign another.
Due to a lack of depth at the wide receiver position in 2011, the New England Patriots began using tight ends frequently in the passing game. Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez became go-to targets for Tom Brady. This offseason the Patriots went after more tight ends signing Daniel Fells, Visanthe Shiancoe, and most recently Michael Hoomanawanui. Despite a significant improvement at the wide receiver position, the team seems set on continuing this unique style.
Right now the Patriots have four tight ends on the active roster with Gronkowski, Hernandez, Fells, and Hoomanawanui. Shiancoe is on the injured reserve list but will be able to return later in the year if he becomes healthy enough. Yet, even with all these tight ends, the Patriots are rumored to be looking for more.
Earlier this week the Patriots worked out Kellen Winslow Jr. but passed on the veteran either because of past injuries or he simply didn’t impress the team. However, that’s not the end of the search. The Patriots are rumored to be ready to work out and possibly sign another tight end before their week two game. Possible tight ends that could be seen at the Patriots facility over the next week include Jeremy Shockey and Chris Cooley.
After being forced to use the tight ends significantly in the passing game in 2011, the Patriots have become obsessed with piling up at the position. The team could have five active tight ends that are currently on the roster and yet they are rumored to be looking for more. One of this week’s NFL rumors is that a new tight end could join the team as early as this week.
