New England Patriots still may have interest in signing Dustin Keller

Aug 9, 2013; Jacksonville, FL, USA;Miami Dolphins tight end Dustin Keller (81) catches the ball for a touchdown as Jacksonville Jaguars free safety Chris Prosinski (42) attempted to defend during the first quarter at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 9, 2013; Jacksonville, FL, USA;Miami Dolphins tight end Dustin Keller (81) catches the ball for a touchdown as Jacksonville Jaguars free safety Chris Prosinski (42) attempted to defend during the first quarter at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 9, 2013; Jacksonville, FL, USA;Miami Dolphins tight end Dustin Keller (81) catches the ball for a touchdown as Jacksonville Jaguars free safety Chris Prosinski (42) attempted to defend during the first quarter at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 9, 2013; Jacksonville, FL, USA;Miami Dolphins tight end Dustin Keller (81) catches the ball for a touchdown as Jacksonville Jaguars free safety Chris Prosinski (42) attempted to defend during the first quarter at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

The New England Patriots were said to be eying a tight end during the 2014 NFL Draft, but the team came away empty handed.

That has lead to speculation that New England could rekindle talks with Dustin Keller, whom they brought in for a workout prior to the draft in late April.

Keller, who is coming off a significant injury with the Miami Dolphins after spending his first few NFL seasons with the New York Jets, could be a typical Patriots move.

"I’m keeping this on the radar as well. After not drafting a tight end, Keller makes a lot of sense if the health checks out and a contract agreement can be reached. Perhaps with the Patriots set to enter a new phase of their offseason progression this upcoming week, with veterans joining rookies, it sparks some movement."

It’s been a few seasons since Keller was an effective offensive force, though the Patriots wouldn’t need the veteran to be a significant pass catcher as New England already has Rob Gronkowski on the roster.

Keller would be filling the role of either Michael Hoomanawanui and D.J. Williams, so an addition of Keller would likely improve the Patriots number two tight end position.