Report: Patriots signing veteran tight end Lance Kendricks
By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
The Patriots are reportedly adding tight end help just in time for the start of training camp. According to The #Patriots are adding some tight end help before training camp, signing TE Lance Kendricks, source said. He had 19 catches for the #Packers last year and will assist in filling the Rob Gronkowski void.
Multiple reports indicate a one-year deal. Kendricks, 31, has played eight seasons in the NFL, most recently with the Packers. The durable tight end has missed only three games in his career.
A former second-round pick in 2011, Kendricks has always carried potential as a combo tight end. But he’s never quite panned out as a pass-catcher. His most productive season came in 2016 with the Rams, when he caught 50 passes for 499 yards and two touchdowns.
What Does It Mean For The Patriots?
GREEN BAY, WI – OCTOBER 15: Lance Kendricks of the Green Bay Packers runs with the ball in the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Lambeau Field on October 15, 2018 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
Kendricks can provide the Pats with some solid veteran depth in camp and possibly the start of the 2019 season. The team brought back 38-year-old Ben Watson, who figures to have a great chance of making the team, but he will serve a four-game suspension to start the regular season.
Between the remaining tight ends on the 90-man roster, the Patriots have yet to really know what they have. Free-agent signing Matt LaCosse, former Texans TE Stephen Anderson, 2018 seventh-round pick Ryan Izzo, and undrafted rookie Andrew Beck round out the group.
Especially while Watson’s out from Weeks 1-4, the TE group is pretty much completely up for grabs. LaCosse appears to have a decent chance of topping the depth chart. If Anderson, Izzo, or Beck can’t show enough to stick around, Kendricks could easily push them for an early spot on the 53-man roster.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at [email protected].
