Patriots trade for Colts TE Dwayne Allen

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Perhaps it's time to close the book on Martellus Bennett’s time in New England, as the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday that the Patriots have agreed to trade for Colts tight end Dwayne Allen, which was confirmed by Tom E. Curran. Adam Schefter reported shortly after that the Patriots will send a fourth-round pick to Indianapolis for Allen and a sixth-rounder. 

A pass-catching tight end who turned 27 last month, Allen had 35 receptions (a career high) for 406 yards and six touchdowns in 14 games last season. His most touchdowns came in the 2013 season, when he caught 29 passes for 395 yards and eight touchdowns. 

The 6-foot-3, 265-pounder is entering the second season of a four-year, $29.4 million contract signed in March of 2016. 

Allen was one of two tight ends the Colts took in succession in the 2012 draft after taking Andrew Luck, with Coby Fleener being selected 34th overall and Allen going with the 64th pick. 

It would stand to reason the Patriots are acquiring Allen to replenish their tight end group for if and when Bennett departs in free agency. Mike Giardi reported at the opening of the legal tampering period Tuesday that Bennett was receiving ample attention from other teams in his search for a contract that pays $9 million annually. 

Bennett, 29, had 55 catches for 701 yards and seven touchdowns last season. 

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