One of the many things the New England Patriots do well is to reload during the offseason. Should Rob Gronkowski retire, NFL Media analyst Nate Burleson thinks the perfect replacement is about to hit the market. He thinks they should go after soon-to-be free agent tight end Jimmy Graham. He talked about the possibility recently on Good Morning Football:

“We’re talking about (Graham) linking up with a Hall of Famer in Drew Brees, and we want to see that combination,” Burleson said (via NESN’s Joshua Schrock).” “I would say linking up with another Hall of Famer, and this is where the rich get richer: the New England Patriots. Anytime there’s an aging player, especially running back, wide receiver or tight end, I love seeing them in a New England jersey.”

“It’s just something about them being able to rejuvenate guys careers, and it’s one thing to go and know you’re going to play with a Hall of Famer in Tom Brady, but you also go there knowing, ‘this could be the best version of me.'”

Graham’s stay in Seattle has been somewhat of a disappointment. The hope was for him to become one of Russell Wilson’s favorite targets. While he did have some fantastic moments, he was inconsistent at best.

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As a result, it's hard to imagine the Seahawks matching his current contract or give him a raise. But if he hits the open market, someone will.

To be fair, the Patriots are not going to pay him anywhere near what he is worth. But players have taken less money to have an above-average chance of playing in the Super Bowl.

If they were to pick him and Gronkowski did not retire, Dwayne Allen and Martellus Bennett will likely be cut. With Gronk, Graham, Danny Amendola, and the returning Julian Edelman catching passes from Brady, the Patriots offense would be incredible.