The New England Patriots are looking for a tight end to step up with Rob Gronkowski retired, and that is a big reason why Bleacher Report has named Matt LaCrosse the Patriots most intriguing project. The Patriots signed Benjamin Watson who many believed would be the main guy used to try to replace Gronk, but he is suspended the first four games of the season.

The Patriots also signed LaCrosse this off-season to a two year – $2.1 million deal after he was a productive player last year for the Denver Broncos. He caught 24 passes for 250 yards last year, and he is going to get every chance this year to be the top tight end for the Patriots this year.

Tight end is a position that the Patriots lean on in the offense, which means LaCrosse is going to have a lot of pressure on him to perform at a high level.

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LaCrosse said that he is coming in with an open mind, and is willing to do anything that the team needs him to do including playing special teams.

“If you need me on the line, if you need me to block, if you need me in the backfield, if you need me out wide. Special teams,” LaCosse said, per the Providence Journal's Mark Daniels. “I'm just a multiple player that's willing to do whatever the team needs me to do.”

With a couple of big years, LaCrosse could be in line for a big payday after his two years up, so this is a perfect opportunity for him.