Dustin Keller Visiting Patriots 4/30

Per Adam Schefter on Twitter.

If he's healthy... and that's a HUGE "IF" after he wrecked his knee last year... then I'd definitely be interested to fill the Hernandez role. Drove me nuts when he was with the Jets.

pick em up

That was a gruesome injury, I'd be amazed if he's effective this year. Other than that, SIGN THE BEAST!

Gator Mike said:

Per Adam Schefter on Twitter.

If he's healthy... and that's a HUGE "IF" after he wrecked his knee last year... then I'd definitely be interested to fill the Hernandez role. Drove me nuts when he was with the Jets.

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Yep, if healthy he would be a good signing and they would have more flexibility in the draft, because right now they could use two TE's and having to use two picks in this draft would kind of suck. If they sign keller they have some insurance and they could still take Sefarian-Jenkins in the first if he's there and they really like him, but if not then they could take Niklas or Fiedorowicz in the second or third round and be in good shape at the position while maintining the high pick to use on another need.

I have been wondering if teams were going to make free agent moves this week, it seems like a good time as everyone is focused on the draft.

I'd sign him regardless and see what he has in camp. Even at 60-70 percent he is a probably a better recieving option than Hoomanawanui and Williams

If he's good to go then he's worth picking up - especially on a 1 year prove it. The guy looked good with Sanchez passing the ball!

Healthy he's a decent TE1. His injury was awful though.

@RapSheet: Not only is TE Dustin Keller visiting the #Patriots, but source tells me the physical on his knee went very well.

I like keller, thought he was a decent TE with the Jets. If the knee is good I see no reason why not to sign him. Money would be minimal, and if he does not have anything left. Cut him.

Even with a rookie or two we could still use some vet competition in there. I like Hooman as a #3, but we need an upgrade at #2 and if Keller and a rookie beat out Hooman for a spot I'm not going to cry about it. Bring him in for short money and it's a good risk.

As others have said, Keller would be a value signing but NE still needs to grab a TE in the draft. Depending on Gronk (injured), Keller (injured) and Hooman (limited ability) as your TE's is not ideal going into the season.

Sicilian said:

Even with a rookie or two we could still use some vet competition in there. I like Hooman as a #3, but we need an upgrade at #2 and if Keller and a rookie beat out Hooman for a spot I'm not going to cry about it. Bring him in for short money and it's a good risk.

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If they sign Keller and use a high pick then TE would be set imo. They would still have some injury questions but enough depth to manage . Gronkowski, Sefarian-Jenkins, keller, Hooman, would give them a really good TE unit, and another prospect (Niklas/Fiedorowicz e.g..) could take ASJ's place. I like this approach because it allows them to go LB/DL/IOL with their other picks.

I was able to snag the xrays of his knee off Deadspin and put them into GIF form...

Trade back and double dip at TE with a pair like Fiedorowicz & AC Leonard. Fiedorowicz can backup Gronk and Leonard can backup Keller. Hooman & Develin can fight it out for a spot from there.

Joke aside, if he passes the physical, why not? I'd still like them to draft a TE (maybe two to make Hooman expendable) but, at the very least, Keller would be worthy camp competition.

I love how Rex Ryan marches O'Connell to midfield as a captain and then thumps his chest after signing Sudfeld, while the Patriots go out and quietly get franchise face guys like Revis, Woodhead, Ellis, and hopefully Keller.

I have my doubts as to how effective he will be, especially since jake ballard didn't pan out...

KontradictioN said:

I was able to snag the xrays of his knee off Deadspin and put them into GIF form...

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I thought that was a prognosis on the upcoming Jets season.

patsinthesnow said:

@RapSheet: Not only is TE Dustin Keller visiting the #Patriots, but source tells me the physical on his knee went very well.

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Wait! First someone re-assure me we got rid of Dr Kevorkian as our team physician, right?
Sign him. He & Gronk can rehab together the 1st half of the season!

Gator Mike said:

Per Adam Schefter on Twitter.

If he's healthy... and that's a HUGE "IF" after he wrecked his knee last year... then I'd definitely be interested to fill the Hernandez role. Drove me nuts when he was with the Jets.

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Keller has not played in a regular season game since 12/2/12, so his health is an obvious concern. If he were healthy, he would be a good addition to the team. I do not expect a contract offer made until after the draft though.

His talent is undeniable, physically he is more gifted (on paper) than Hernandez prior to the injuries anyway.