Patriots To Sign TE Troy Niklas

Troy Niklas‘ recent visit to New England will produce a contract. The Patriots are planning to sign the former Cardinals tight end, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets, adding this is a one-year agreement.

Niklas will join a tight end corps that is expected to still house Rob Gronkowski, along with Dwayne Allen, but Gronk has yet to officially declare he will be back next season. Reports have indicated he will return, however.

A 2014 Cardinals second-round pick, Niklas has just 19 career receptions for 203 yards. Interestingly, Pro Football Focus was much fonder of his 2017 receiving skills than when he attempted to block during running plays, grading Niklas as the second-worst run-blocking tight end in football last season. PFF, though, viewed him as a much better run-blocking presence in previous years.

Niklas has battled injuries throughout his career, twice playing in seven or fewer games in a season. He suited up for 15 last year, however.

The Patriots’ acquisition of Allen did not pay immediate dividends, but there is now another option on the team — and one that likely will come at a low cost.

 

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