After struggling with a tight end position in 2019, the New England Patriots are determined to do something about it. According to Eugene Frenette of Florida Times-Union, the Pats are exploring possible trade for Baltimore Ravens’ TE Hayden Hurst.
Patriots tried various solutions at the tight end last season but struggled to find someone to replace the production they were getting from retired Rob Gronkowski. This is why targeting Hurst makes sense, as he managed to have 30 receptions for 349 yards and two touchdowns in 2019 despite limited action.
Frenette also adds that New England is facing competition for Hurst. Jaguars were keen to take the 26-year-old with 29th pick during the 2018 NFL draft, but Ravens beat them to it. Now Jacksonville is looking to try and acquire the player once again, hoping to boost their struggling offense.
Despite being the first-round pick, Hayden Hurst struggled to get continuous action in Baltimore. In his rookie season, Hurst played 12 games as a backup and only managed to catch 23 passes for 163 yards and a touchdown.
While things got better in his sophomore year, the belief around the league is that Hurst will have a hard time getting ahead of Mark Andrews and Nick Boyle on the depth chart. This is why the change of scenery might be welcomed for both sides. Ravens could get draft capital to address other positions, while the player would get more targets with a TE-needy organization.
