Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett reportedly could be “rewarded” by New England this offseason as a free agent.
Bennett, who’s on the last year of his contract, will be “an offseason priority” for the Patriots, sources told NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, who reported the news Sunday morning.
Patriots linebackers Dont’a Hightower and Jamie Collins, cornerback Malcolm Butler and defensive end Jabaal Sheard were expected to be New England’s top priorities in free agency this offseason. Collins was traded to the Cleveland Browns and Sheard is a healthy scratch against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 11. That moves Bennett up the ranks.
He has 38 receptions for 504 yards with four touchdowns on the season. He’ll see an increased role in Week 11 with Rob Gronkowski out.
The Patriots traded reserve tight end AJ Derby to the Denver Broncos earlier this season, which could further increase Bennett’s chances of being re-signed.
Thumbnail photo via Scott R. Galvin/USA TODAY Sports Images
