Martellus Bennett

Patriots still interested even if Martellus Bennett tests free agency

The New England Patriots will "make a run" at tight end Martellus Bennett even if he goes to free agency, Mark Daniels of the Providence Journal believes.

What It Means:

Daniels believes Bennett will command "top dollar" as the best tight end available on the open market. Outbidding teams in free agency has never been New England's M.O., though the Patriots have plenty of cap space (over $61 million) if they choose to go that route. Bennett finished third among tight ends with seven touchdowns last season despite playing through painful knee and ankle injuries. With Rob Gronkowski coming off his third back surgery, keeping Bennett would be a wise investment for the Patriots.

Among the 43 tight ends to earn 30 targets or more in 2016, Bennett's 0.78 Reception Net Expected Points per target was the ninth-best rate.