Patriots still in contact with free agent TE Dustin Keller

Here's some good news for those of you concerned about the Patriots depth at tight end this coming season, courtesy of the Boston Herald's Jeff Howe.

The Patriots have remained in general contact with Dustin Keller since the tight end visited Gillette Stadium almost a month and a half ago, according to a source.

Keller, 29, has been a productive receiving threat throughout his career, but is currently still rehabbing from a devastating knee injury suffered during the preseason last year. The free agent tight end visited the Patriots last month but has yet to sign with them or any other team, presumably because his surgically repaired right ACL, MCL and PCL are still preventing him from being able to play.

However, the fact that the Patriots are still in contact with him suggests there's a level of mutual interest between both parties in getting a deal done. Most likely, the team is keeping a close eye on Keller's rehab with the intention of signing him when/if he's cleared for a return to the field.

If signed, Keller would have a chance to become a key part of the offense while the team waits for Rob Gronkowski to return from his own ACL tear. In 2011, Keller's last full 16 game season, the tight end caught a career high 65 balls for 815 yards and 5 touchdowns for the Jets.