Additional Speed on Bruins’ Defense Offers New-Look Team Ahead of Eastern Conference Finals Matchup (Video)
Torey Krug, Bruins’ Fourth Line Highlight Depth Difference That Allowed B’s to Win Series
Bruins Turn to Hard Work, Consistency to Advance to Eastern Conference Finals (Video)
Mike Carp’s Bench Contributions Show That Red Sox Pulled Right Strings During Spring Training
Gregory Campbell, Torey Krug Among Bruins Heroes in Best Images From Boston’s Series-Clinching Game 5 Win (Photos)
Jose Iglesias, Pedro Ciriaco Already Bringing Out Best in Each Other With Roster Competition Underway
Bruins-Rangers Live: B’s Win Game 5 With 3-1 Win, Advance to Eastern Conference Finals
The Patriots have plenty of depth at the tight end position, but apparently even that won't stop Bill Belichick from bringing in an able-bodied veteran.
After working out 10 players during Tuesday's practice session, which included former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Mike Kafka, the Patriots are now reportedly set to give Pro Bowl tight end Kellen Winslow a shot, according to Pro Football Talk.
Winslow, who had another standout year in Tampa Bay last season, was traded to Seattle during the offseason in one of Greg Schiano's first big moves as head coach. The move was all for naught, though, as the Seahawks released Winslow over the weekend.
The Patriots already have a number of viable, and even elite, tight end options on their roster with perennial Pro Bowlers Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez as well as Daniel Fells and Visanthe Shiancoe. While this seems to indicate Winslow's presence would only further clog the position, the seven-year veteran has 60 or more balls in five of the past six seasons and at 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds adds another big target in the red zone.
The tryout is likely being done more as a precaution than in consideration of a contract offer. Belichick usually brings in veterans to gauge their health and physical status in case there is an injury or need at the position later in the season. Winslow seems to fit that bill, even though his skills and age — still youthful at just 29 — would offer another unique ripple to Josh McDaniels' offense.
Then again, with such a lack of depth at the wide receiver position, the Patriots could just be heading towards more of a five-wide tight end set. There's only one way to find out.
Have a question for Luke Hughes? Send it to him via Twitter at @LukeFHughes
or send it here.
Photo via Facebook/Kellen Winslow