NFL Rumors: New England Patriots interested in Austin Collie, Miles Austin

January 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Austin Collie (10) against the Denver Broncos in the 2013 AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
January 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Austin Collie (10) against the Denver Broncos in the 2013 AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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January 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Austin Collie (10) against the Denver Broncos in the 2013 AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
January 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Austin Collie (10) against the Denver Broncos in the 2013 AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

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.”

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.