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.
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Photo via Facebook/Kellen Winslow
