Former Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Patriots showing interest in three-time Pro Bowl TE Delanie Walker

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 8/3/20

The New England Patriots have been short at tight end since Rob Gronkowski announced his retirement after the 2018 season.

We all know Gronkowski is now out of retirement, but he isn't a Patriot. With Gronk off to Tampa Bay and Matt LaCosse opting out of the 2020 season, New England is in need of a tight end.

As it stands now, Bill Belichick will rely on Ryan Izzo and two rookies in Devin Asiasi and Dalton Keene at tight end this season, but it appears he's not too keen on doing that.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Patriots are among the teams showing interest in veteran Delanie Walker. The 35-year-old has spent 14 seasons in the NFL between the San Francisco 49ers and Tennessee Titans.

Free agent TE Delanie Walker, 35, is training for the season and has received levels of interest from several teams, including the Patriots, per source. Had four straight 800-plus-yard seasons from 2014-17.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 3, 2020

Walker has struggled to remain healthy the past two seasons, playing just eight games in that span, but in 2016 he put together a solid year with 74 receptions for 807 yards and three touchdowns, earning his third Pro Bowl nod.

It would make sense for the Patriots to pair Walker with Asiasi and Keene, though his injury history certainly should be a cause for concern.

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