New England Patriots: Dwayne Allen Excited For New Opportunity

One of the notable trades the New England Patriots made this offseason was the acquisition of Dwayne Allen. The once rival will now be a member of the team.

Coming into the 2017 offseason, the New England Patriots were well aware that they would likely be losing tight end, Martellus Bennett. With a high price tag, the Patriots realistically couldn’t keep Bennett, and he indeed did sign elsewhere this offseason.

After a very strong 2016 season, Bennett was able to cash-in with a nice deal in free agency. However, the Patriots made their move to replace Bennett prior to him signing when they acquired Dwayne Allen from the Indianapolis Colts.

Due to the injury history of Rob Gronkowski, the Patriots need to have a good backup. In 2016, Bennett was able to fill in for Gronkowski nicely. Now, Allen will be asked to do the same if something happens to Gronkowski.

With the Colts last season, Allen totaled 35 receptions, 406 receiving yards, and six receiving touchdowns. While Allen wasn’t as good as Bennett, he was also in a two-tight end system with the Colts.

"“Coming from the Colts, you’re taught to hate the Patriots,” Allen told “Patriots Today” via Zack Cox of NESN.com. “But I always admired them for their professionalism, how hard they work and of course the winning culture that they have here. There’s no wonder why the Patriots have been so successful. I’m just eager to get to work and to earn the right to be called a Patriot.”"

The Patriots and the Indianapolis Colts have had a nice rivalry since the great battles between Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. Recently, the Patriots beat Andrew Luck and the Colts in the AFC Championship Game. That game, of course, came with some scandal, but the game was never close.

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Now, Allen will be playing for the team he was told to hate. With the addition of Brandin Cooks as well, the Patriots’ offense might be the best we have ever seen in New England.