While most teams focus on next week’s draft, there are still plenty of free agents looking for jobs, and the Patriots are hosting one for a visit today, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Schefter reports (via Twitter) that former Jets and Dolphins tight end Dustin Keller is visiting New England.
Keller, 29, set career highs in 2011 with 65 receptions and 815 receiving yards, but has seen his last two seasons derailed due to injuries. Before the 2013 regular season got underway, the veteran tight end suffered a significant knee injury, tearing his ACL, MCL, and PCL, and missed the entire season as a result. However, Keller’s agent recently told Jordan Raanan of NJ.com that his client is “good to go” and will be ready to play in 2014.
Assuming Keller is indeed healthy – and Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets that a physical on his knee “went very well” – he looks like a good fit for a Patriots offense that relies heavily on its tight ends. Rob Gronkowski is also on the comeback trail after a similar knee injury, but even if he’s back to 100% for the start of the season, New England will want to add another tight end to its roster. The club could also prioritize the position in the draft.