Top 5 free agent tight ends the Patriots could sign

The Patriots enter the 2014 offseason with a lot of very interesting questions about their future. Back-to-back losses in the AFC championship game coupled with Tom Brady's advancing age (believe it or not, Tom will turn 37 this August) have led to concerns about how much longer the Patriots window for contention will be open, along with the question of whether the Patriots should go all-in on the present in an attempt to win one more championship with Brady.

Unfortunately, this idea is contrasted with a less than ideal cap situation. Currently with only $3.9 million in space under the projected cap, the Pats will likely have to make some cost-cutting moves just to afford to compete for it's own key free agents (Aqib Talib, Julian Edelman, LeGarrette Blount to name a few), let alone to supplement the rest of the roster with free agent talent.

With all those factors in mind, here's a look at the top five (semi) realistic free agent tight ends the Patriots could target this offseason. With Rob Gronkowski likely to miss at least the start of 2014 after tearing his ACL in December, there is undeniably a need for the Pats to bring in a starting caliber player to hold down the fort until Gronk comes back. I've chosen to not include Jimmy Graham, Dennis Pitta (unrealistic due to their likely price tag) and Fred Davis (reportedly suspended for the season's first six games) on this list, but here are the top five options on the market.

1. Jermichael Finley

Talent-wise, there's no question that Finley is the best option not named Graham or Pitta on the market. The former Packer is an athletic freak, combining receiver athleticism with tight end size (6'5", 245) in a tantalizing package. While Finley had his share of struggles with drops and consistency in his Green Bay career, he was also a productive player when healthy, surpassing 50 catches and 650 yards three times in his six year career.

However, Finley is coming off of a scary neck injury that threatened to end his career in 2013. He underwent spinal fusion surgery in November and, despite resuming some workouts, has yet to be cleared for contact. Finley is expected to be cleared in the near future and should be ready to go for the 2014 season, but his long-term availability will always be a question mark after suffering that catastrophic of an injury.

While Finley's injury will undoubtedly drag his price tag down, I still don't foresee the Patriots making a serious run at him. The Patriots already have enough injury question marks on their roster, and Finley's attitude and effort came into question at times in Green Bay. He still makes this list because of his potential as a value signing; if Finley can retain his explosive receiving ability post surgery, he will be bargain at his lowered price tag.

2. Dustin Keller

Keller is another talented player who could be available at a discount due to injury. In Keller's case, the former Dolphin (and Jet) suffered a devestating knee injury last preseason, tearing his ACL, PCL and MCL. That, combined with his age (he turns 30 in September) will almost certainly limit his price tag.

The good news on Keller is that his injury took place in the preseason, giving him more than a full calender year to rehab and recover before the 2014 season kicks off. If Keller can return with his explosiveness largely intact, he could still be a productive receiving tight end.

I don't think the Patriots (or anyone, for that matter) will consider a long term commitment to Keller. Tight ends about to turn 30 coming off of a devastating knee injury simply don't get big-money, long term deals. However, if he appears to be well on the way to a full recovery, Keller could be an intriguing option as a short-term fill in while Rob Gronkowski is on the mend.

For a more in-depth look at Keller and his potential Patriots fit, check out our Brendan Annelly's take in our "Call to Arms" series here.

3. Scott Chandler

Another familiar face, as Chandler has been a thorn in the Patriots side during the past three years as a member of the Buffalo Bills. Chandler's limited athleticism prevents him from being much of a big-play threat, but he uses his exceptional size (6'7", 260) well as a reliable possession receiver.

At age 29 and with a torn ACL on his resume, Chandler should be a reliable and affordable target should the Patriots look for a veteran complement/early season replacement for Rob Gronkowski. Chandler could be particularly appealing to the Pats in the red zone, as he would provide the big, steady target that was sorely lacking last year whenever Gronk was out of the line up.

Our Michael Hamm recently took a more in-depth look at Chandler's potential fit with the Patriots as part of our "Call to Arms" series. Read his take here.

4. Anthony McCoy

At 6'4" and 259 pounds, McCoy certainly has all the physical talent to be a receiving threat in the NFL. However, McCoy's production never matched his ability in Seattle, with a torn Achilles last year leading the Hawks to draft his replacement, Luke Willson.

However, McCoy is still only 26 years old and has a lot of talent for the low price tag he'll command on the open market. While it would be hard to really count on the unproven McCoy as a starter early in the season, the former Seahawk could be an intriguing guy to take a flyer on. Doing so would be a classic Patriots "low-risk, high-reward" type of move. Best case scenario; you've found a diamond in the rough at a position of need. Worst case scenario; you cut an inexpensive free agent and move on. This move certainly wouldn't have the sizzle Pats fans are looking for, but it might be worth a shot.

5. Michael Hoomanawanui/ Matthew Mulligan

Ok, I'm cheating here, but I expect the Patriots to bring back at least one of their two blocking tight ends from 2013. Neither provides much in terms of being an explosive receiving threat, and the Patriots will certainly need to find a better receiving option to complement Rob Gronkowksi/fill in while his knee recovers.

However, both Hooman and Mulligan are excellent blockers who quietly made big contributions to the Patriots offense, particularly during the late season emphasis on a power running game. Neither will be particularly expensive to keep, and the Patriots certainly want to have at least one blocking tight end on the roster.

If wouldn't surprise me if the Patriots choose Mulligan over Hooman (that being if they don't try to keep both players). Mulligan will likely be sliiiiightly cheaper, as he is older and less of a receiving threat. Considering both players would play a similar role on the team, expect the guy with the lower price tag to be the one that sticks.

Plus Mulligan is the reason we have Hulk Hogan on our side. We wouldn't want to tempt fate and risk losing the Hulkster from our ranks.

Honorable mentions: Brandon Pettigrew, Garrett Graham, Brandon Myers, Andrew Quarless, Ed Dickson