New England Patriots: Dallas Clark Would Be Another Clever Signing

The New England Patriots are loaded at the tight end position. There is no sense in wasting time by explaining how valuable Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez are to the 2011 AFC Champions. Bill Belichick has revolutionized the way tight ends can be utilized and the two players have had astonishing success early into their NFL careers.

But the Patriots are never content with anything. They brought in and worked out Dallas Clark and provided a cliché that Belichick has proven time and time again.

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.

Clark caught 100 passes for over 1,100 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2009. He is a proven threat in the aerial attack and is a Pro Bowl player. He will be 33 before the season starts and would want to sign onto a winning team. New England can provide the winning culture and provide Clark with some type of role to get production out of him.

And Belichick is at it again in free agency. He doesn't need the flashiest signings, just the veterans who will help his football team.

In 2012 alone Belicheck has signed Clark's former teammates Joseph Addai and Anthony Gonzalez. Donte Stallworth, Brandon Lloyd and Jabar Gaffney were also added to strengthen the passing attack. And quarterback Tom Brady passed for over 5,000 yards last season—so it's not like they were hurting.

The Patriots tend to bring in seasoned and experienced players into their organization during the offseason. That is what has kept them so competitive for so long. Clark is another example of a veteran winner who can help New England.

Is the need for Clark there? Absolutely not. But the tight end can bring leadership and experience to the team while making a play or two. He could be used in the slot. He could be a third down or red zone target. He could rotate with Hernandez and Grownkowski. Or he could move on from his visit and latch onto a different team.

The sound of Dallas Clark as a New England Patriot is very interesting. He has had some great games against the Patriots. Belichick knows up close that he can play. And with the Pats mentality of adding as much talent as possible, there may be a future and a role for another former Colt up in Foxboro.