The New England Patriots are in need of a #2 tight end after the release of Scott Chandler and Colts tight end Dwayne Allen looked to be one of the top sleeper options in free agency. Allen had expressed an interest to remain in Indianapolis and wow the tight end market is ridiculous and inflated.
Wow: Colts keep TE Dwayne Allen, per source. Four-year deal.
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) March 8, 2016
The #Colts have struck a deal to keep TE Dwayne Allen, source said (as @ProFootbaIlTaIk reported). It's 4 years, nearly $30M.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 8, 2016
The Patriots are going to be strapped to find a solid replacement for Chandler in free agency because the market is small. Think about it: Allen has 91 catches, 1,045 receiving yards, and 13 touchdowns over his entire four year career and he's making nearly $7.5 million per season.
If Gronk doesn't hit those marks in a single year, it's considered a disappointing season. So if the Patriots are going to find a solid #2 tight end, they might have to pay through the nose.