Patriots looking for help at TE

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is watching the offseason take shape, and he's got to be hoping his club will add some more weapons.

Tight end is a major area of concern since former first-round pick Benjamin Watson (he just never developed like we all would have hoped) signed a deal with the hapless Cleveland Browns, and Chris Baker was surprisingly released.

So there's really no quality depth at the position. If I said Rob Myers and Robbie Agnone, would you know who I'm talking about? It's OK, even the biggest diehard Pats fans have never heard of the two guys who are currently on the roster.

Yes, we need help.

In steps veteran Alge Crumpler, who has one of the best names ever in football.

Crumpler is close to signing, according to various reports floating around the Internet.

Crumpler was once one of the premier tight ends in the game -- both catching the pigskin and sealing the edge by being an outstanding blocker.

Remember when Crumpler was an absolute beast? Check these stats out while Crumpler was in his prime: 2004 (48 receptions, 774 yards, 6 TDs), 2005 (65-877-5), 206 (56-780-8).

But unfortunately, he's not that type of player anymore. Crumpler has only 51 catches, 479 yards and 2 TDs, the last two years combined.

But the 32-year-old should have some gas left in the tank.

The 6-foot-2, 262-pounder can still catch, so perhaps he could really shine as a red zone target and third down security blanket for Brady. That would really help, considering Watson could get open but always had an issue with drops.

But Crumpler's biggest asset is in the blocking department. He got a lot of credit last season when Tennessee's Chris Johnson rushed for over 2,000 yards, and Crumpler was responsible for the dirty work on the outside.

Crumpler could be a quick fix, but he's not the longterm answer, obviously. You can bet your bottom dollar that Bill Belichick and Co. will be drafting a TE at some point. Don't be shocked if it's in the first or second round, too, unless they can pull off a trade with Chicago for TE Greg Olsen.

In any case, expect the Pats to do more than just ink Crumpler. They will get younger one way or the other (trade or draft).

Until then, here's to hoping Crumpler can be a productive player in New England.