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New England Patriots Rumors: 3 players who could solve needs at tight end

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

TAMPA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 16: O.J. Howard #80 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers makes a catch during warm-ups before a preseason football game against the Miami Dolphins at Raymond James Stadium on August 16, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 16: O.J. Howard #80 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers makes a catch during warm-ups before a preseason football game against the Miami Dolphins at Raymond James Stadium on August 16, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /
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New England Patriots tight end Ryan Izzo (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
New England Patriots tight end Ryan Izzo (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

The New England Patriots will never find another Rob Gronkowski, but here are three tight ends the team can trade for who could flourish in the offense.

With retired tight end Rob Gronkowski committed on staying retired, the New England Patriots will have to find value at the position from someone already on the team or via trade.

Finding production from someone already on the team in the passing game or blocking has been one of the few issues for the defending Super Bowl champions through the first seven weeks of the 2019 NFL season.

Second-year tight end Ryan Izzo has added a little something in the passing game with 6 receptions for 114 yards and a touchdown, but his glaring weakness in the blocking game has made an already battered offensive line look even more vulnerable.

The other tight end the team has relied on has been Matt LaCosse.  Aside from a couple of catches, the veteran free agent pickup has spent more time nursing an injury than going out on routes for Tom Brady.

And then there is Ben Watson.

The 38-year-old tight end was released by the team in a surprising move, but then re-signed due to LaCosse’s injuy.  Although he has familiarity with Brady and adds experience to the position, the tight end situation for the New England Patriots is even more uncertain.

That’s why Bill Belichick must work his magic on the trade market and here are three tight ends who can make life a little easier for Tom Brady and the Patriots passing attack.

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