New England Patriots: 5 offseason needs in 2020

3. A weapon at tight end

Benjamin Watson is a great presence in the locker room and all, but that doesn’t qualify him to be a starting tight end in the NFL at this point in his career. The Patriots have to find a tight end capable of providing them with more than 17 receptions in 2020.

That’s certainly a low bar. New England should focus a lot of resources on transforming the tight end position from a weakness into a strength. The Patriots don’t have to find the next Rob Gronkowski this offseason, but they should prioritize acquiring a player who can produce as an above average starter.

Free agency features several players who could be worth big money to the Patriots. Imagine how different the New England offense would look with someone like Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper or Eric Ebron lining up at tight end. A player of that caliber could give Belichick’s offensive a massive boost no matter who lines up under center.

The key is to find a player who can torment opposing defenses by becoming a match-up nightmare. The Patriots don’t necessarily have to find a speed demon at tight end, but they do need a guy who can make some plays in space. Achieving an easy upgrade at the position could pay major dividends for New England in next year’s postseason.