The New England Patriots acquired Martellus Bennett at a rather cheap price back in March, and the expectation was that he would be a one-year rental for a team that already has arguably the best tight end in the game in Rob Gronkowski. But in this instance, the expectation may not be the reality.
Bennett is scheduled to become a free agent after the season, and Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that the Patriots are making it an “offseason priority” to re-sign him.
From trash to treasure: #Patriots are making TE Martellus Bennett an offseason priority, sources say & want to lock him up for the future.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 20, 2016
Discarded by one of the worst teams, Martellus Bennett has been everything the #Pats wanted. He’s battled thru injuries. Will be rewarded
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 20, 2016
Bennett, who will turn 30 this winter, has caught 38 passes for 504 yards and four touchdowns. Even with Gronkowski still soaking up targets, Bennett has managed to carve out a significant role for himself.
Obviously, money will be an issue. The Patriots rarely pay top dollar for skill players, and plenty of other teams will be interested in signing Bennett. As Rapoport mentioned, Bennett has played hurt this year and was fortunate to avoid a serious injury on this dirty hit from Vontaze Burfict. He has earned a big contract, and it sounds like New England may be open to giving it to him.
