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With tight end Aaron Hernandez in deep with the law and Rob Gronkowski still recovering from his back and arm injuries, the tight end position is looking a little bleak for the New England Patriots. Considering that is a position where the Patriots got a huge chunk of their offensive production last season, the organization may have to consider acquiring a new weapon. One player in particular New England should trade for is Green Bay Packers’ Jermichael Finley.
Former Packers safety Leroy Butler was one of the first to take to Twitter to point out the obvious:
“If I am the pats I trade for Finley ASAP for 2nd round pick.”
A second-round draft pick would be quite the offer for a player who is owed at least $7.75 million plus incentives in 2013 and will be a free agent at the conclusion of the season. However, that is probably irrelevant considering the Packers will most likely not be willing to deal Finley unless an incredible trade offer came their way.
As good as Finley has been over his five-year career, there is no question Green Bay expected him to be more consistent at this point. There is no denying his ability to produce on the field as he hauled in a career-high 61 receptions for 667 yards and two touchdowns in 2013. However, his inability to consistently catch the football has frustrated fans over the past two seasons. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers continues to have faith in his tight end but it is becoming more and more difficult when Finley continues to let him down in big moments.
From the Patriots point of view, acquiring Finley would be huge regardless if it took a second-round pick to do so. They need that production from their tight ends, especially with Wes Welker no longer with the team. Even though it is most likely a deal that will never happen, acquiring a tight end in a trade is certainly something New England must consider.
