Brian Hartline almost became a member of the New England Patriots.
Led by signal-caller Tom Brady and perhaps the league’s best offensive mind in Bill Belichick, the New England Patriots finish as one of the NFL‘s best offenses year in and year out. A big part of their offensive philosophy is having quick receivers who can make plays in the open space. Over the past few years, Wes Welker, Julian Edelman, and Danny Amendola have all had success in the slot for the Patriots. This past season, Edelman’s and Amendola’s success out of the slot was vital towards the Patriots’ Super Bowl run. Well, despite that, the Patriots had interest in bringing in another slot receiver.
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According to Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal, even though Hartline signed with the
, it was reported that Hartline was down to the Browns and the Patriots. Eventually, Hartline would choose to go with his hometown team in the Browns.
Quite frankly, it’s a bit interesting that Hartline turned down the Patriots in hopes to play for the team he grew up rooting for. Granted, it would be nice to play for a Super Bowl-contending team like the Patriots. However, at 28 years old, Hartline seems to be intent on playing for a Cleveland team that does not really have an established receiver on their roster now with Josh Gordon suspended for another year.
Even though Amendola and Edelman are both under contract for the foreseeable future, this is a testament to the Patriots and how they run their franchise. Hartline would’ve been a nice addition for the Patriots, but they will have to look elsewhere with the veteran receiver going to the Browns.
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