As the New England Patriots try to adjust to life after Rob Gronkowski, the team has made another move by signing tight end Lance Kendricks, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
The #Patriots are adding some tight end help before training camp, signing TE Lance Kendricks, source said. He had 19 catches for the #Packers last year and will assist in filling the Rob Gronkowski void.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 24, 2019
Kendricks isn't someone that moves the needle that much, but he is a strong candidate to be a part of the committee that tries to replace Rob Gronkowski's production. Last season Kendricks was with the Green Bay Packers, catching 19 passes for 170 yards and one touchdown.
Kendricks was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft and spent the first six years of his career with the team before spending the last two years with the Packers.
Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels was on the Rams staff in 2011 when the team drafted Kendricks, so there is some familiarity there. It's unclear if Kendricks is a lock to make the team, but looking at the roster it seems like he has a good shot to be with the Patriots when they kick off the regular season against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Patriots also have Benjamin Watson on the team, but he will miss the first four games of the season because of a suspension, so they will be even more shorthanded. Matt LaCosse, Stephen Anderson, Ryan Izzo, and Andrew Beck are also on the roster trying to make the team.
There is about a month and a half before the regular season starts, and the Patriots have some big decisions to make on what guys to keep at tight end.
