New England Patriots get a steal in Austin Seferian-Jenkins

The New England Patriots aren’t going to be able to truly replace Rob Gronkowski, but Austin Seferian-Jenkins is a free agent steal for them.

The New England Patriots are not going to be able to replace Rob Gronkowski and what he specifically brought to the table. With that said, New England just made a shrewd move to get a guy who has some high upside as a free agent acquisition in Austin Seferian-Jenkins, who had a breakout season two years ago with the New York Jets.

What’s even better for the Patriots here? They get Seferian-Jenkins, who is still just 26 years old, on a veteran minimum contract.

Not a bad way to replace Gronkowski, if even by a committee approach.

Seferian-Jenkins was a highly touted prospect coming out of Washington in 2014. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers picked him 38th overall in the 2014 NFL Draft and while he flashed his potential with six touchdowns in his first two seasons, he became something of a problem for the Bucs.

Tampa Bay shipped him out and the New York Jets picked him up, and that turned out to be a nice steal for the Jets.

Seferian Jenkins caught 60 passes in 20 games with the Jets, scoring three touchdowns and showing really well as a blocker.

He’s always been a strong all-around presence at the tight end position, though he’s not much of a seam stretcher compared to Gronkowski.

The Patriots will find ways to get the best out of Seferian-Jenkins, who is coming off of an injury-shortened season in Jacksonville, a team that signed him to a decent free agent contract last year.

Again, this move is not earth-shattering but it’s typical of the Patriots. New England has found ways to maximize the talent of guys who have been labeled ‘busts’ for whatever reason throughout their careers.

Seferian-Jenkins’ issue has been staying healthy, but if he can stay on the field he’s going to be a stud in New England’s system.

This is a great signing for them.