Could New England Patriots be a suitor for Tony Gonzalez?
After the 2012 season came to an end and the Atlanta Falcons fell just short of getting to the Super Bowl, losing to the San Francisco 49ers in the final seconds of the NFC Championship Game, it looked like future Hall-of-Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez was ready to retire. Instead, with some reported prodding from quarterback Matt Ryan, Gonzalez decided to return to the Falcons for one more season. After the Falcons had a terrible year marred by injuries, Gonzalez officially announced his retirement.
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On Wednesday, Gonzalez made waves by admitting he has been tempted to return to the league in order to chase a Super Bowl ring.
“The temptation would be there, but I don’t know what the gain would be,” Gonzalez told Bob Glauber of New York News Day. “I’ve always wanted a ring. That’s been my main goal as a player over the last 15 years of my career. You’re really trying to get that ultimate goal.”
Tom E. Curran of CSN New England wonders if the Patriots could be a fit for Gonzalez.
"Of course, now that Gonzalez was cut he’s a free agent sitting at a network desk. Gonzalez says his phone has rung.Given the Patriots’ wafer-thin tight end corps and the fact a Gonzalez-Rob Gronkowski tandem would be devastating (if Gonzo hasn’t been gorging the past six months), there’s a likelihood the Patriots were one the other end of at least one of those phone calls.It bears watching."
If Gonzalez does become serious about a return. He would be a great compliment to tight end Rob Gronkowski (or even a replacement should Gronkowski go out with another injury). The Patriots are a legitimate contender – they’ve been to three straight AFC Championship Games and added key pieces in cornerbacks Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner, defensive lineman Will Smith and Jarrell Worthy and wide receiver Brandon LaFell.
Gonzalez made 83 receptions for 859 yards and eight touchdowns last season.