The New England Patriots may be counting on another virtual unknown to be one of Tom Brady's primary pass-catchers in the season's early going. According to Kevin Duffy of the Boston Herald, former undrafted free agent Matt LaCosse is poised to be New England opening-day starter at tight end.
All signs point to Matt LaCosse as the Patriots’ starting tight end in Week 1. Ben Watson is facing a four-game PED suspension, and the team released Austin Seferian-Jenkins, who is dealing with personal issues.
LaCosse signed a two-year deal worth just less than $5 million with the Patriots in March. He spent last season with the Denver Broncos, playing in 15 games and catching a career-high 24 passes for 250 yards and a touchdown. Prior to 2018, the University of Illinois product had appeared in just seven total games, registering three catches after going undrafted in 2015.
At 6-foot-6, 255 pounds, LaCosse has elite length for a tight end. He's reportedly flashed during offseason team activities, using his rare speed and overall fluidity to make plays down the middle of the field.
New England finds itself absent stability at tight end for the first time in nine years following the retirement of future Hall of Famer Rob Gronkowski. The team found an unlikely replacement in 38-year-old Ben Watson, who announced his retirement immediately after the 2018 season but then signed with the Patriots in May. Watson will miss the first four games of the season due to a failed drug test, though, and Austin Seferian-Jenkins, signed by New England in April, was released on Tuesday as he steps away from football to deal with personal issues.
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