The blockbuster trade for wide receiver A.J. Brown stole headlines in New England over the past month, and while it was for good reason, there was another big story happening at the same time that will inevitably have the opposite effect on the roster for the upcoming season.
When Mike Vrabel announced that tight end Julian Hill suffered a season-ending injury during practice earlier this month, it was an immediate hit on the Patriots' plans offensively, as the veteran was expected to be an extra body on the offensive line and another weapon for Drake Maye to utilize.
The team showed trust in Hill, which many criticized from the moment he was signed, as he received a three-year, $15 million contract. But they had a legitimate plan for him on the roster, so his absence creates a major void they'll have to address sooner rather than later.
The head coach implied that they want to add another tight end to the room, as Hunter Henry is expected to remain the starter and rookie Eli Raridon his backup. They'll have a few intriguing options to consider, but there might be none better than Pharaoh Brown, the 2023 season breakout who fits exactly what they need.
A familiar face might be exactly who the Patriots need to add to their tight end room
Among the most notable free agents that the Patriots could take an interest in is Brown, who played one season in New England in 2023, the final year under Bill Belichick.
Although Josh McDaniels wasn't calling plays in Foxboro because he was the head coach of the Raiders at the time, Brown has proven he can thrive in a Patriots' system and should have no problem with their current scheme.
In fact, he put together the most productive season of his career in 2023 by recording 13 receptions for 208 yards and a touchdown. By any measure, that's not exactly impressive and certainly not what most teams would be looking for in a starting tight end.
However, Brown helped to block on the offensive line and was an explosive option when called upon to move the chains. So while his opportunities were limited, he took advantage of them and put the offense in a good position to succeed. And considering the coaches he was working with and the lack of talent around him, his performance deserves more credit.
All of that, plus his veteran experience, is exactly what the Patriots are going to miss with Hill sidelined for the season. Brown can easily slide into that role, while also providing the veteran insurance behind Henry that will inevitably benefit Raridon, too.
He might also be their cheapest option, which Robert Kraft will be a fan of, and that might be the least exciting reason he makes a lot of sense.
So while Brown might not be a frontrunner in the eyes of fans, he is a proven player and has all of the qualities that the tight end roster is currently lacking, so a reunion wouldn't at all be surprising to hear in the next few days.
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