The New England Patriots made one of their few moves in the off-season free agent market this week by signing Tight End Algie Crumpler, formerly of the Atlanta Falcons and more recently, the Tennessee Titans. The very large veteran is one of the best in the league according to the New England Patriots:
Crumpler, 6-2, 262 pounds, is a veteran of nine NFL seasons with the Atlanta Falcons (2001-07) and the Tennessee Titans (2008-09). He has stated 122 of 139 regular season games and has accumulated 367 receptions for 4,691 yards with 37 touchdowns. Among active NFL tight ends, Crumpler (12.8) ranks second in average yards per reception to Antonio Gates (13.0). In addition to his pass-catching skills, Crumpler is also known for his physical presence at the line of scrimmage, helping the Falcons offense lead the NFL in rushing in three of his last four seasons in Atlanta.
The signing of Crumpler is more than necessary after we cut Chris Baker and allowed Benjamin Watson to sign his own free agent contract with the Cleveland Browns. With our only other Tight Ends being unknown players (Robbie Agnone and Rob Myers) that never played in an NFL game in their career, I'm not quite sure that our goal line package is ready for the season. I'm sure there will be a few more off-season moves to at least get us two deep at the position.
A big thank you to Guy Harbert for giving us permission to use his photo of Algie Crumpler.
Wait…Ben Watson isn’t a Patriot? BOOOOOO. He made one of the single best plays I’ve ever seen, one fueled by heart, determination and sheer willpower. Sad to see that type of player go.
It is sad to see Ben Watson leave New England, but moving forward, we are going to need another tight end to replace the holes left behind by Watson and Baker.