Patriots: 3 players facing an uphill battle at training camp

2. Matt LaCosse

The Patriots overhauled their pass-catching battery this offseason, and that means several returning players will be forced to fight for roster spots at camp.

As we know, the tight end position has been a wasteland for the Pats from a production standpoint since Rob Gronkowski retired. That could change in a big way next season, as the signings of Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith will represent massive upgrades.

Matt LaCosse could struggle for snaps at tight end in 2021.

As things stand, Matt LaCosse, one of eight Patriots opt outs from last season, is currently the fifth tight on the depth chart — behind Henry, Smith, Dalton Keene and Devin Asiasi — and we’re finding it difficult to envision him playing any sort of role in 2021.

LaCosse had a chance to prove himself in 2019 as a key cog in New England’s offense, but he managed just 13 receptions for 131 yards and one touchdown. The 28-year-old also struggled with injuries, so that likely didn’t inspire much confidence in the coaching staff, either.

In all honesty, LaCosse probably would’ve faced an uphill climb at training camp had the Pats signed just one of Henry or Smith in free agency. With both of them in the mix, plus Keene and Asiasi looking to prove themselves, LaCosse better have his game face on during camp.