The Patriots Got A New Tight End On Wednesday

Rob Gronkowski left a big void on the New England Patriots’ roster. Head coach Bill Belichick signed a few tight ends in the last couple of seasons, but has yet to find his next Gronk. His experiments didn’t really work in 2021. Jonny Smith failed to meet expectations, while Hunter Henry did a decent job on the football field. According to Mike Reiss from ESPN, the Patriots have a new tight end.

“The Patriots claimed TE Matt Sokol on waivers today, as they fill out depth at a time when rosters are at the 90-man limit.

“Sokol, of Michigan State, entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2019 with the Chargers. Also time with Jaguars and Lions (Matt Patricia link, ’20).”

Sokol, 26, inked a futures contract with the Detroit Lions in January. He measures at 6-foot-5, 260 pounds. Does this make him a good option for the Patriots? Sokol went undrafted in 2019 and spent time with the Los Angeles Chargers and Jacksonville Jaguars. In the last three seasons, Sokol spent time on the practice squad of both teams. He was elevated twice and saw 15 snaps on offense and 20 more on special teams.

During his time with the Spartans, Sokol played in 52 games with 22 starts. He recorded 31 catches for 348 yards and a couple of touchdowns.

Belichick still has Henry and Smith in the group. Former third-round pick Devin Asiasi and Dalton Keene are part of the squad, too.

The Patriots will have the first practice of OTAs on May 23. The team has a bunch of new names and these players have accepted the challenge. Being a Patriot sure means a thing. Not everyone can fit in the system. Some players have had a hard time coping with the Patriot Way. Belichick has no days off and everyone knows it. His players are incredibly hardworking and the results are more than obvious. The Patriots have won many games and they can win even more. Mac Jones took the lead last season and he has already established great connection with his teammates. Will Sokol get a chance with the team?