For almost all of the 2010s, the New England Patriots had little to worry about at the tight end position. With the exception of the occasional injury, the undisputed top option at the position was in the process of building a Hall of Fame career. Once Rob Gronkowski decided to temporarily retire from pro football following the 2018 season, however, the lack of serviceable depth behind him became obvious: the tight end group struggled throughout 2019 regardless of who was in the lineup.
The Patriots were in need of a restart, similar to the one they made when Gronkowski and fellow tight end Aaron Hernandez were brought aboard during the 2010 draft.