Lance Kendricks Says it was a "No Brainer" to Join Patriots

(CRAIG F. WALKER /GLOBE STAFF)

A week ago, Lance Kendricks was sitting at home as training camp for all 32 NFL teams was approaching. He did not think he would be suiting up to play for a team anytime soon. That was until Coach Belichick called him up and asked him to come play for the New England Patriots. 

After pen hit paper, Kendricks said it was a "no brainer" to come to New England. 

“They’re obviously a championship team for a reason. On and off the field, the Patriots handle their business the right way, I think Coach Bill Belichick just sets the tone right away. Before we come out to practice he tells you what it is and what it should be and we come out here and we do it that way, and if it’s not that way we’ve got to come out and fix it and we can’t make a mistake more than once.”

Kendricks hit the nail on the head with this statement. He already sounds like he's been playing in Foxborough for multiple years. This seems like a guy who bought into the "Patriot way" already and is ready to give 110% every game. 

The signing came at the right time for both parties. The Patriots were the only team expressing interest in Kendricks in a time of dire need at the tight end position, and Kendricks was contemplating retirement. 

Kendricks comes into New England coming off a season where he posted a stat line of 19 catches for 170 yards and a touchdown. 

These aren't the most flashy numbers, but considering the Patriots will be trotting out a tight ends corps come week one whose combined stat line is 24 catches for 250 yards and one touchdown, anything is an upgrade.

Despite being the newest face on the team, Kendricks is in position to atop the tight end depth chart in week one, with Benjamin Watson serving a four game suspension. With the Patriots loving to use two tight end formations, the duo will be in for a large workload this year, and have big shoes to fill.  

-Nick Rufo