According to a report from ESPN, former Dolphins and Jets free agent tight end Dustin Keller is visiting the Patriots today.
Keller is recovering from a pretty severe knee injury suffered last preseason with Miami in which he reportedly tore his ACL, MCL, PCL as well as suffering a dislocated knee.
Keller's agent, Eugene Parker, has been quoted as saying the tight end is "ready to go."
Prior to the injury Keller was a productive NFL talent and, at times, a thorn in the Patriots side as a member of the Jets. In five seasons of action the former first-round pick out of Purdue caught 241 passes for 2,876 yards with 17 touchdowns.
He opened his career with four straight seasons in which he played all 16 games and caught at least 40 passes. His best season came in New York in 2011 when he caught 65 passes for 815 yards and five touchdowns.
The Patriots currently have limited options on their tight end depth chart. Rob Gronkowski is recovering from his own torn ACL and MCL injury. Michael Hoomanawanui is the lone experienced backup, while D.J. Williams is also in the mix heading toward the summer.
If Keller is indeed healthy, he would be an intriguing low-cost option with potential to add to the roster. But given the severity of his injury, his health could very well be an issue for him for the remainder of his athletic career.
What do you think of the Keller visit? Would you like the Patriots to sign him? Or, would you prefer the team to add a tight end in the draft? Let us know with comment below!
