The New England Patriots clearly need an upgrade in the passing game.

They have re-signed their leading receiver, Julian Edelman and have brought in former Carolina Panther Brandon LaFell, but after losing Wes Welker and Aaron Hernandez last season and with Rob Gronkowski’s injury history, that simply isn’t enough.

Last season, the Patriots signed former Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Austin Collie (and also released him several times) to try to fill the void.

According to Jeff Howe of The Boston Herald, the Patriots could re-sign Collie or a sign “Miles Austin-type.”

Pats are still in play to re-sign Austin Collie and could potentially add a Miles Austin-type (no financial commitment/camp vet).

— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) March 28, 2014

In other words, they want to see if they can find a gem without guaranteeing any money.

Of course, with Howe using Austin’s name, it leads to one to wonder if that simply means they would like sign the former Dallas Cowboy.

Austin had 24 receptions for 244 yards in 2013.

Collie had 63 yards on six receptions in seven games for the Patriots last season.