The New England Patriots recently filed tampering charges against the Houston Texans for pursuing Nick Caserio to become their next general manager. Sources said the Patriots submitted to the NFL several pieces of documentary evidence, including photos, videos and other forms of interaction, that the Texans courted their long-time director for player development for the vacant general manager job. ProFootballTalk reported that the Texans offered Caserio the general manager job one day before they fired Brian Gaine, based on the evidence submitted by the Patriots.

Some of the interactions between Caserio and Texans executive Jack Easterby happened during the Patriots’ Super Bowl ring ceremony last Thursday, while Gaine was fired the following day. As a former New England character coach, Easterby has a close relationship with Caserio, who has been with the Patriots for 19 years, 11 as director for player development. During his time, Caserio is instrumental to the Patriots’ success for bringing in players who help the team wins. According to Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk, if the tampering case filed by Patriots could be proven, it could result in the loss of future draft picks.

Patriots, Texans could settle via deal

However, the case could pave the way for the Patriots and Texans to strike a deal for Caserio’s services.

Based on input from a source with knowledge of the dynamics and personalities involved in this fuss, Florio said a deal could ultimately be reached between the two fighting squads. Florio said the Texans could give the Patriots one or two draft picks or something else for Caserio’s services. Florio said the deal should be made, especially if Caserio is also interested in taking the Texans job.

“If Caserio wants to go and is forced to stay, things could get awkward for the Patriots,” Florio said. This was the second time that the Texans eyed Caserio as their general manager. Last season, the Texans requested the Patriots for an interview with Caserio, which the latter denied. The Texans then hired Gaine as their new general manager.

Patriots acquire tight end from Lions

The Patriots’ depth chart at tight end is not as deep, with Matt LaCosse being their No. 1 player at the position with the four-suspension of veteran Ben Watson and with the recent release of Austin Seferian-Jenkins. However, the Patriots got a needed boost with the acquisition of tight end Michael Roberts via trade with the Detroit Lions. The Patriots shipped a conditional 2020 seventh-round pick to the Lions for Roberts, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. A 2017 fourth-round pick by the Lions, Roberts tallied 13 catches for 146 yards with three touchdowns in 23 career games in Detroit. The retirement of Rob Gronkowski has left a huge hole at tight end for the Patriots.
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