NFL Rumors: New England Patriots could sign Jermichael Finley or Dustin Keller soon
Over the last few years, the New England Patriots have revolutionized the tight end position in the NFL.
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However, with Aaron Hernandez facing a lifetime in jail and Rob Gronkoswki’s injury history, although he is said to be progressing well, the team needs an upgrade at the position.
Two veteran players that are on the market and could certainly help the Patriots are former New York Jets and Miami Dolphins’ tight end Dustin Keller and former Green Bay Packers’ tight end Jermichael Finley. Both players could sign with the Patriots in the very near future.
Mike Reiss of ESPN Boston has the scoop.
"Today marks the date that teams can sign free agents without having them count against the compensatory draft pick formula. For the Patriots, all eyes are on the tight end spot, where Dustin Keller and Jermichael Finley could provide an instant upgrade if their health checks out. Finley was reportedly set to visit a “mystery” team on Friday, but we couldn’t confirm if the Patriots were in that mix. Keller previously played under tight ends coach Brian Daboll with the Jets in 2008, so there is some background there"
Both players had their seasons ended by devastating injuries last season.
Keller has already visited the Patriots while Finley “could be on the Patriots’ radar.”
Keller spent the first five seasons of his career with the Jets before joining the Dolphins a year ago, but he tore his ACL, MCL, and PCL and dislocated his knee. He has 241 career receptions for 2,876 yards and 17 touchdowns.
Finley had 25 receptions for 300 yards and three touchdowns before suffering a neck injury. He has 223 catches for 2,785 yards and 20 touchdowns in his career.