The Patriots' tight end luck hasn't been the greatest since Rob Gronkowski retired for the first time after the 2018 season. Although they certainly struck gold when Bill Belichick signed Hunter Henry in 2021, finding the perfect player to pair with him hasn't been easy for any coaching staff over the last five years.
Austin Hooper was an adequate addition during the Jerod Mayo era, but he signed with the Falcons this offseason, forcing the Patriots to find his replacement.
Because he served mostly as the blocking tight end, while Henry has been the pass-catcher, it's likely Mike Vrabel and Co. are looking to fill that with another blocker, and at least one Patriots' analyst believes a longtime veteran would be the right guy for the job.
Yet, not many people are talking about him.
There's plenty of reasons for the Patriots to inquire about free agent Mo Alie-Cox
Mo Alie-Cox has spent his entire career with the Colts since they signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2018. The now 32-year-old has been as consistent as they come as a blocking tight end, and the Patriots could use that in their efforts to bulk up the offensive line protection and create more opportunities for a successful run game.
Looking at his stats will far from excite fans who want to see another Gronkowski or Henry, but that has not been Alie-Cox's job in the NFL.
He could easily join up with the Patriots' fullback signing, Reggie Gilliam, who will serve a similar role on offense, and make them one of the best groups in the entire NFL. It's what Drake Maye needs after being sacked 47 times last season.
On top of that, the Patriots struggled to find a real footing in their run game, despite having the impressive TreVeyon Henderson-Rhamondre Stevenson duo in the backfield.
If they want to implement a stronger run game, while simultaneously giving Maye more time to read the field and throw the ball, then Alie-Cox makes all the sense in the world, especially since he can also be an option in the passing game.
It's another signing for the Patriots to consider, as they are likely to seek massive upgrades on offense after seeing their struggles on the biggest stage at Super Bowl LX.