Report: Patriots Sign WR Griff Whalen

The Patriots have signed former Colts wide receiver Griff Whalen, per the NFL's Ian Rappaport:

The #Patriots are signing FA WR Griff Whalen, source said. They think he can fill Danny Amendola’s role until the playoffs.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 8, 2016

With Danny Amendola sidelined until the postseason, the Patriots were in need of some depth at the position, and after working Whalen out earlier today, Bill Belichick feels that he has something to bring to the team that they can't get from practice squadders Devin Lucien and DeAndrew White.

Whalen's most productive season as a pro came in 2013, when he logged 259 yards off 24 catches with two TDs. However, his most memorable season was undoubtedly 2015, during which he snapped the ball to Colt Anderson on that infamous Fake Punt play in Indianapolis. He was waived by the Colts earlier this year, then signed with the Chargers, where he only played eight games and registered only two catches for 22 yards.

Whalen isn't some magical answer to a depleted receiving corps, but he does add depth to a position that desperately needs it, and if Tommy B can make Reche Caldwell and Doug Baldwin viable receiving threats, Whalen will be able to produce as well. Look for him to receive limited snaps over the coming weeks as Amendola continues to rest his ankle.