Earlier today, the Patriots sweetened Rob Gronkowski‘s deal. Now, it sounds like one of his fellow tight ends will be taking a pay cut. ESPN’s Field Yates reports (via Twitter) that Dwayne Allen has agreed to a reworked contract. The veteran was set to make $4.5MM (with a $5MM cap hit), and that number will reduced. Specific terms haven’t been reported.
The Patriots acquired Allen (along with a sixth-rounder) from the Colts last offseason in exchange for a fourth-round pick. After compiling 406 receiving yards and six touchdowns in 2016, the tight end’s stats took a hit during his first season in New England. While the 28-year-old did appear in 15 games (with eight starts), he finished the year with only 10 receptions for 86 yards and a score. He ended up topping those numbers in three postseason games, compiling 11 receptions for 90 yards and one touchdown.
Due to his underwhelming performance last season, Allen was rumored to be on the roster bubble as recently as last month. However, thanks to his new deal, the veteran will presumably be sticking around New England for at least another season. Assuming his spot on the roster is safe, tight ends Jacob Hollister, Will Tye, and rookie Ryan Izzo will now be competing for one of the Patriots’ final roster spots.
The Patriots’ reworked Gronkowski’s contract earlier today, giving him the ability to earn an extra $4.3MM this season. The maximum value of the Pro Bowl tight end’s contract is now $13.05MM.
Why is Dwayne Allen still on the team?
Knows the system. That’s all I can think of for a reason.