Patriots Visit With Veteran Tight End J.P. Foschi

by Daniel Popko on Sun, Apr 18, 2010 at 3:56PM

Once Chris Baker and Benjamin Watson left New England, tight end became a prime area of need for the Patriots. Signing Alge Crumpler helped to soften the blow, but more help is still needed. The Pats may have found their man in J.P. Foschi.

According to Foschi's agent, Ralph Cindrich, via twitter, the four-year vet visited Foxboro on Friday as the Pats are looking to bolster their depleted tight-end corps. The former Bengal and Raider had his best season in 2009 — 27 receptions for 260 yards and two scores — and could cash in on a chance to play with one of the league's best quarterbacks in Tom Brady.

A player like Foschi may not make waves all across the league, but the 27-year-old represents an upgrade over unproven backups Robbie Agnone and Rob Myers. Foschi even bested Crumpler's stats last year despite starting just 10 games in Cincinnati.

Bill Belichick likes to utilize a variety of offensive options and with Wes Welker likely out for the start of the season, Brady could use another sure set of hands.

If Foschi is signed to back up Crumpler, that does not necessarily mean that the Pats won't select another tight end in the draft, but it likely signals that it is no longer a primary need, opening the doors for other needs — like a pass rusher — in Round 1.