New England Patriots: 5 offseason needs

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Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett (88) catches a pass against Atlanta Falcons strong safety Keanu Neal (22) during the fourth quarter during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Solid pass-catching No. 2 tight end

While the bulk of the Patriots’ offseason quandaries reside on the defensive side of the football, they aren’t without issues to address on offense. Perhaps the biggest area of focus on that side of the ball has to be at tight end.

New England still has arguably the best No. 1 tight end in football in Rob Gronkowski, but the injury concerns are mounting with the former All-Pro. How many more years does he have to play at a high level, or in the tank for that matter?

New England could consider bringing back No. 2 tight end Martellus Bennett, but he may not be the best culture fit in New England. His stock will rise as one of the premier free agents of the tight end class. Adding a Super Bowl to his résumé ensures that Bennett will make more than the $5,185,000 he got by signing with the 2016 Patriots.

Fortunately for New England, the 2017 NFL Draft looks to be the deepest tight end class of all-time. From Alabama’ O.J. Howard to Michigan’s Jake Butt to Virginia Tech’s Bucky Hodges, New England can get a tight end in the first or second round if it wants to.

The Patriots aren’t going to franchise tag Bennett, as they have other players to use that on. They could bring him back for slightly more than he made last year, go after another bridge-gap tight end on a one-year deal, or just draft Gronkowski’s eventual successor in the first or second round.

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