NFL Rumors: Dustin Keller still an option for Patriots
By Brian Miller
Last summer fans of the Miami Dolphins were high with excitement on the prospect of former New York Jets tight end Dustin Keller taking their team to the next level. It was two weeks into preseason when that excitement drained and Keller was lost for the entire season.
More from New England Patriots
- NFL rumors: Dalvin Cook suitor maintaining very ‘real’ interest
- Patriots backup plan for DeAndre Hopkins is a shot in the dark
- NFL rumors: Patriots screwed themselves with DeAndre Hopkins pursuit
- Bill O’Brien arrival did not end the road for one disliked Patriots coach
- 3 biggest mistakes from the NFL offseason
Keller tore his ACL, PCL, and MCL on a hit by D.J. Swearinger of the Houston Texans. He has not been medically cleared to play just yet, but his agent fully expects Keller to be ready for the season. The question is where could he play?
The veteran signed a one-year deal with the Dolphins, so he won’t likely return there. According to ESPN Boston, Keller shouldn’t be taken off the possibility list of the New England Patriots.
They don’t go into too much detail, but they do cite the rather thin roster at the position behind Rob Gronkowski. Keller is believed to be an option to fill the role that Aaron Hernandez had with the team prior to his incarceration for multiple murders.
ESPN Boston’s Mike Reiss was in an open chat with listeners when he was asked about Keller.
"Unemployed (Brooklyn)Is it safe to cross Dustin Keller off the list at this point? Who are the remaining FAs at TE? Or do you think they’ll roll with DJ Williams/Develin/situation OL to complement Gronk and Hoo-man?Mike (11:08 AM)I wouldn’t cross Keller off the list. He’s still available and the Patriots still are light at the position. I think he’s their best signing possibility, assuming the health checks out."
The Patriots should be at least a little concerned, given the fact that Gronkowski has been injured much of the last two seasons and the team’s depth does not give the Patriots a solid option should Gronkowski go down. While Keller is still available pending his ability to pass a physical, Jermichael Finley is also available, though he’s coming off a neck injury himself.