With the retirement of Rob Gronkowski, the New England Patriots have a need at tight end. According to reports yesterday, the team hosted former Patriot and 38-year old Ben Watson for a visit. However, there may be a better option out there.

In an article from CBS Sports' John Breech, he predicted seven trades that could happen now that the draft is over. Among them was New England swinging a trade for Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph.

From Breech:

“Unless the Patriots can somehow convince Rob Gronkowski to come out of retirement, and that doesn't look like it's going to happen, they're definitely going to need some tight end help heading into the 2019 season. Although the Patriots have been busy adding tight ends this offseason — they signed Austin Seferian-Jenkins in April and then added undrafted free agent Andrew Beck — their Gronk replacements don't even come one-fifth of halfway toward filling the Gronk void. Bill Belichick seems aware of this, which is probably why the Patriots are expected to have Ben Watson in for a visit Thursday.”

The price proposed for the trade was a third-round pick from the Patriots in 2020. Rudolph saw his production dip a bit in 2018, but is still regarded as a productive player at his position. Could a hypothetical trade like this work?

The tight end position is a big part of the Pats' offense, and Tom Brady has been at his best when he has had a reliable weapon at the position to attack the middle of the field. It might be worth a look.