Patriots Add TE Scott Chandler – Red Zone Offense Options Expand
 The Patriots added another big weapon in the passing game by signing TE Scott Chandler on Friday. (USA TODAY Images) |
The Patriots have added to their tight end roster by signing former Bills free agent Scott Chandler according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Terms were not yet available as of press time (2 p.m. EST Friday).
Chandler 29, is a big 6’7, 270 lb target who has been a particular nemesis of the Patriots in the past catching 28 passes for 384 yards and four touchdowns against New England. Bill Belichick turned a page from 2007 when he signed Wes Welker away from the Dolphins after he had some big games against the Patriots.
Chandler in his career has caught 182 passes for 2,120 yards and 17 touchdowns. He had his best season in 2013 when he finished with 53 catches for 655 yards and two touchdowns for the Bills. In 2014 Chandler finished up his stint with Buffalo hauling in 47 passes for 497 yards and three touchdowns.
He has been durable, missing only three games in his last four seasons for the Bills.
Good in the running game, he hasn’t been used as much as an end of the line blocker, instead they’ve split him out more often than not, preferring him to stretch the seams of the opponents’ defense.
Coupled with Rob Gronkowski, Michael Hoomanawanui and Tim Wright, the Patriots now have a formidable trio of pass catchers from the tight end position with Chandler, Gronkowski and Wright, who is more of a move-type tight end, like Aaron Hernandez. Hooman is basically a blocking tight end who can catch the occasional pass.
One must wonder if Chandler’s signing would be a red-flag for Hooman. Having Gronkowski and Chandler who can block but are more productive in the passing game is a luxury. The team also has T Cameron Fleming who often comes on the field in short yardage situations which may make Hooman’s roster spot a bit redundant.
The Patriots red-zone offense should greatly benefit having so many big weapons for Tom Brady and Josh McDaniels to have at their disposal. Chandler at 6’7, Gronk 6’6, Wright 6’4, Brandon LaFell 6’3 and third year WR Aaron Dobson also at 6’3 gives Brady some tremendous size in the passing game, something a few years ago was unheard of. Dobson should be healthy this spring and bring the vertical threat to outside the numbers.
With Reggie Bush visiting on Friday, the wheels have to be turning for McDaniels. With so many weapons available to Brady and the ability to hit them quickly without long developing plays would be a tremendously versatile offense. All of those big bodies to go along with the smaller, quicker Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola….things are trending in the right direction for the Patriots offense.
Mini-camps should be a fun exercise to watch this spring as they begin to tinker with their plethora of weapons on offense. Patriots fans can relax, the team is rarely a mover and shaker in free agency in the first day or so, but no one is better at Bill Belichick at team building. Now….what is up with the Bush visit?
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