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  6. article_body => "<p>The New England Patriots offense simply wasn't the same without Rob Gronkowski in 2019.<\/p>\n<p>The future Hall of Famer's retirement forced the Patriots to roll with Matt LaCosse, Benjamin Watson, and Ryan Izzo at the tight end position.<\/p>\n<p>To put Gronkowski's absence&nbsp;into perspective, the trio combined for 36 catches, 418 yards and two touchdowns during the 2019 campaign. Gronk hauled in 47 receptions for 682 yards and three touchdowns while being hampered by injuries in 2018.<\/p>\n<p>Needless to say, improving at the tight end&nbsp;position should be a priority for the Pats in 2020.<\/p>\n<p>Will they address it during the NFL Draft, or will they go the free agency route? If it's the latter, here are their top options.<\/p>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcsports.com\/boston\/patriots\/nfl-free-agents-2020-top-10-tight-ends?int\" target=\"_blank\">Click here for the top-10 free-agent tight ends for 2020.<\/a><\/h3>\n"
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Patriots

Patriots

The New England Patriots offense simply wasn't the same without Rob Gronkowski in 2019.

The future Hall of Famer's retirement forced the Patriots to roll with Matt LaCosse, Benjamin Watson, and Ryan Izzo at the tight end position.

To put Gronkowski's absence into perspective, the trio combined for 36 catches, 418 yards and two touchdowns during the 2019 campaign. Gronk hauled in 47 receptions for 682 yards and three touchdowns while being hampered by injuries in 2018.

Needless to say, improving at the tight end position should be a priority for the Pats in 2020.

Will they address it during the NFL Draft, or will they go the free agency route? If it's the latter, here are their top options.

 

Click here for the top-10 free-agent tight ends for 2020.