The New England Patriots are hosting tight end Alge Crumpler, formerly of the Tennessee Titans, on Monday.
As The Boston Globe notes, the Titans have no need for Crumpler with Bo Scaife and Jared Cook already on the roster. Cook was picked up in 2009's draft with a third-round pick acquired from New England. The Patriots received a 2010 second-round pick as compensation.
Crumpler, 32, spent two years with the Titans and notched 222 yards on 27 receptions in 2009. His best season came in 2005 with the Atlanta Falcons, racking up 877 yards and scoring five touchdowns. He is the single-season franchise leader for the Falcons in total yards and receptions (67) from a tight end.
He has recently earned a reputation as an excellent blocker. His receiving skills have eroded over the last few years, perhaps due to gaining weight — Crumpler reported to 2009's training camp having gained 30 pounds, registering at 312 pounds. His offical weight as listed on NFL.com is 262 pounds.
The Patriots value blocking highly in their tight ends, so Crumpler comes across as a logical fit for a team starved at that position. New England has a gaping hole at tight end after allowing Benjamin Watson to depart as a free agent and cutting ties with Chris Baker.
The Globe cites Crumpler's ProFootballFocus.com page, saying that the statistics indicate Crumpler was a major part of running back Chris Johnson's 2,000-yard season. New England is thought to be interested in bolstering the running game, so Crumpler could make an impact in that department as well.
Crumpler is a four-time Pro Bowl selection, being named in consecutive years from 2002 through 2005.
