The New England Patriots are trading for Indianapolis Colts tight end Dwayne Allen, reports NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Source: The #Patriots are trading for #Colts TE Dwayne Allen. Wow.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 8, 2017
Details on the #Patriots trade for #Colts TE Dwayne Allen: A 4th rounder goes to the #Colts and #Pats get Allen & a 6th back.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 8, 2017
This move indicates that the Patriots will move on from current tight end Martellus Bennett, who caught 55 balls for 701 yards last season. Bennett, a free agent, reportedly turned down a $7 million extension before the season began. Jeff Howe reports that New England owes Bennett $5 million this season and next with $7.4 million due in 2019.
The Patriots owe Dwayne Allen $5 million in cash in 2017, $5M in 2018 and $7.4M in 2019. Really smart move by Belichick here.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) March 8, 2017
Allen had 35 receptions for 406 yards in Indy last season. The trade also puts a lot of trust in Rob Gronkowski’s health, as Allen will be unlikely to replicate Bennett’s production should he have to carry the load at tight end.
As for the Colts, it makes sense for Indianapolis to move on from Allen with fellow tight end Jack Doyle re-signed (more on that here). Though we don’t know the return, getting assets for Allen, whom the Colts no longer need, is a win.