The New England Patriots could be an ideal landing spot for impending free agent tight end, Jimmy Graham, according to former NFL receiver Nate Burleson. In an interview with NFL Network, Burleson said that Graham could take his career to another level if he joins the Patriots, where he has a chance to play with a future Hall of Famer in veteran quarterback Tom Brady. Burleson said the Patritos are an ideal destination for players who want to rejuvenate their careers, especially running backs, wide receivers or tight ends.
The Patriots have tried to find an ideal tight end to partner with Rob Gronkowski, but they failed to get one.
Before the start of last season, they signed Dwayne Allen, but he failed miserably and could be cut after just one year in New England. In addition, the Patriots are expected to part ways with Martellus Bennett, whom they signed midway through the season after he was released by the Green Bay Packers. If the Patriots both release Allen and Bennett, they will create around 11.5 million in salary cap space.
Graham could serve as insurance for Patriots
Graham could also serve as insurance for the Patriots in case Gronkowski decides to call it a career. After their 41-33 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII, Gronkowski hasn’t given a commitment to returning next season. The 31-year-old Graham is known for his durability as he missed just seven games in his eight-year career with the New Orleans Saints and the Seahawks.
He has played all 16 games in each of the last two seasons. Graham tallied 57 catches for 520 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. Overall, Graham has 69 touchdowns in eight seasons. If the Patriots acquire Graham, he will form a formidable tandem with Gronkowski, if the latter returns next season. Last season, Gronkowski caught 69 passes for 1,084 yards and eight touchdowns.
Texans also eyeing Graham
Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins wants Graham to join him in Texas. In a Twitter post, Hopkins posted a photo of Graham wearing a Texans jersey. Graham would give the Texans a true-pass catching tight end that they lacked last season. The Texans relied on Stephen Anderson as their top tight end, but he was a disappointment as he finished with just 342 receiving yards.
If Graham joins the Texans, they will instantly become contenders with the return of quarterback Deshaun Watson and defensive stalwarts J.J. Watt and Whitney Mercilus. Watson, Watt and Mercilus all suffered season-ending injuries last season.
