The Tight End Situation

[Claremonster]

It now seems smart that BB picked up all of those tight ends the last few years...he'll need them to play a lot moar now.

 

[edboc]

If Gronk can't stay healthy and Hernandez won't be available long-term, what are the team's options with their contracts with minimal impact on the salary cap?

 

[Mack Herron]

It doesn't seem any "smarter" today than it was when he signed them, for the simple reason that the did not know at the time he would not have AHern and Gronk in 2013 (if that is what pans out). Same as saying how stupid it was not to sign Welker for the same reason.

As for the TE, if we are thinking about AHern replacements, I prefer to think in terms of roles rather than positions. His roles can be filled by WRs, TEs, and FBs, for instance, albeit none with his versatility.

 

[jmt57]

It is a 90-man roster in the off season. I wonder if anybody that brings up the question of 'why are the Patriots signing so many (fill in the position)' that seems to crop up every year realize that?

 

[jmt57]

If Gronk can't stay healthy and Hernandez won't be available long-term, what are the team's options with their contracts with minimal impact on the salary cap?

Jason does a pretty good job of explaining it here:

Looking at the Contracts of Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez - Over the Cap

Rob Gronkowsi signed an extension in 2012 that contained about $13.2 million in full guarantees and another $5 million guaranteed for injury only. His cap numbers the next two seasons are very manageable at $2.75 and $5.4 million, neither of which rank in the top 10 of the position. His salary is fully guaranteed in 2014. The protection for the Patriots comes in 2015. Gronkowski’s base salary is guaranteed for injury only in 2015 and does not vest to a full guarantee until the 5th day of the 2015 League Year.​

 

[BadMoFo]

Gronk starts season on PUP, AHern on retired/suspended/jailed list and our active tight ends will be Ballard, Hooman and Fells/Sudfeld.

 

[Rhodey]

The Hernandez situation appears to be heating up on many fronts between problems in local clubs, a shooting and a homicide investigation. Is it inconceivable that AH might be unavailable in the future. If so, the team has a problem with two big contracts: one that can't stay out of trouble; another that cannot stay healthy. At this junction, this is what the thread title- The Tight End Situation -means to me. And, let's factor in that the team strategised by having these guys in the lineup; putting out two big contracts.

In my opinion, the TE situation that appeared solid is falling apart. Perhaps, the others will step up? We'll see. However, having AH and Gronk in the lineup on a steady/regular basis seems to be far-fetched at this point in time.

 

[primetime]

Gronk starts season on PUP, AHern on retired/suspended/jailed list and our active tight ends will be Ballard, Hooman and Fells/Sudfeld.

Cool we go from the best tight ends in the game to 4 tight ends who had 11 catches between them last season

 

[chasa]

Cool we go from the best tight ends in the game to 4 tight ends who had 11 catches between them last season

gronk and ahern had zero receptions between them on game 1 of their rookie seasons.

 

[primetime]

Hernandez isn't even really a tight end, he was the team's #1 receiver. And this was a receiving corps that could ill-afford to lose anyone, because now you have a couple injury prone guys, a couple rookies, and a bunch of bad veterans

 

[primetime]

gronk and ahern had zero receptions between them on game 1 of their rookie seasons.

Great but aside from Sudfeld who is an undrafted rookie those other guys are all veterans

 

[Pewsterbaby]

Tell Russ Francis & Ben Coates to jack up on some high octane juice lickety split and report to training camp. Problem solved.

 

[jmt57]

Current TE Depth Chart:


Inline TE
Jake Ballard
Michael Homanawanui
Zach Sudfeld

Move TE
Daniel Fells
Brandon Ford



I can see Sudfeld making Hoomanawanui expendable, especially once Gronk is able to play.

As for the other spot, hopefully Fells is more injury-free than he was last year.

 

[Archeryaddict12]

Gronk starts season on PUP, AHern on retired/suspended/jailed list and our active tight ends will be Ballard, Hooman and Fells/Sudfeld.

Ok, show me proof of this happening, oh wait. There is none! Just pure nonsense.

 

[BadMoFo]

Hernandez isn't even really a tight end, he was the team's #1 receiver. And this was a receiving corps that could ill-afford to lose anyone, because now you have a couple injury prone guys, a couple rookies, and a bunch of bad veterans

Well, if our receivers start looking like a bunch of blind mice in the preseason, I hope we have Brandon Lloyd and Deion Branch on speed-dial. They may not be anything special, but they at least know the offense.

 

[BadMoFo]

Ok, show me proof of this happening, oh wait. There is none! Just pure nonsense.

This thread is speculation about the tight end situation, smart guy.

 

[edboc]

Brad Herman sighting for Flex TE?

 

[Bruins29]

This thread is speculation about the tight end situation, smart guy.

And you really think they will pup Gronk especially with what we assume will happen with AH?

 

[Ironman44]

Is Dallas Clark an option?

I know word on the street is he might retire but if I am in the Patriots FO I am bringing him in for a look. a reliable veteran TE

 

[Claremonster]

Is Dallas Clark an option?

I know word on the street is he might retire but if I am in the Patriots FO I am bringing him in for a look. a reliable veteran TE

He came over last year and almost signed here...why not?