The New England Patriots agreed to terms with free agent tight end Scott Chandler who was released by the Buffalo Bills earlier in the week.
Scott Chandler found a new team, but is sticking in the AFC East after agreeing to terms with the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
More from New England Patriots
- 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
- NFL Rumors: Dalvin Cook free agency complicated by court filing
Chandler, 29, was released by the Buffalo Bills earlier in the week but he wasn’t on the streets too long and gives the Patriots some depth at the position behind All-Pro Rob Gronkowski and Tim Wright.
He caught 47 passes for 497 yards and three touchdowns last year, his fifth season with the Bills. At 6-7, 270 pounds, Chandler has incredible size for the position and should allow Bill Belichick and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels to get creative with their deployment of him in the Pats’ offense.
Former Bills TE Scott Chandler is staying in AFC East, reaching agreement with Patriots, per league source. Patriots add some TE depth.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2015
Chandler is only one year removed from his best season when he caught a career-high 53 passes on 81 targets for 655 yards and two touchdowns. From 2011-2012, Chandler caught a total of 12 touchdowns, six coming in each season as he proved to be a dependable red zone option with his massive size creating mismatches against smaller defensive backs and linebackers.
He has flashed the talent in years past with the Bills but because of their shaky quarterback situation had weeks where he wasn’t a big part of the offense and didn’t post flashy numbers.
But he’s a quality all-around tight end who should help the Patriots in their two-tight end sets and contribute as a run blocker opposite Gronkowski which can let Gronk block a bit less and be flexed out wide to create even more mismatches for the defense.
Next: NFL Free Agents list: Best available by position
More from FanSided
- Joe Burrow owes Justin Herbert a thank you note after new contract
- Chiefs gamble at wide receiver could already be biting them back
- Braves-Red Sox start time: Braves rain delay in Boston on July 25
- Yankees: Aaron Boone gives optimistic return date for Aaron Judge
- MLB Rumors: Yankees-Phillies trade showdown, Mariners swoop, India goes to Seattle