Matt

LaCosse

LaCosse joined the NFL as a UDFA in 2015. He spent time on both New York rosters without making much of an impact before landing with the Broncos. In 2017, he appeared in all but one game for Denver, logging 250 yards on 24 catches while also contributing as a blocker and on special teams. He would play a similar role for New England the next year before opting out of the 2020 season. LaCosse ends his career with 40 catches for 402 yards and two scores.

With the Patriots adding Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry in free agency, LaCosse likely needed to beat out second-year tight end Devin Asiasi for a roster spot. At 28 years old and having little production to his name, LaCosse may struggle to find a team in the immediate future. The Patriots also waived/released DT Montravius Adams, K Nick Folk, S Adrian Colbert, CB Dee Virgin, DT Akeem Spence, OL Alex Redmond, OL James Ferentz, TE Matt LaCosse, DT Bill Murray, WR Kristian Wilkerson, WR Isaiah Zuber, CB Michael Jackson, DB D’Angelo Ross, DB Myles Bryant, OL Will Sherman, OT Korey Cunningham, WR Tre Nixon, DT Nick Thurman, and OLB Tashawn Bower.

New England had a league-high eight players opt out of the 2020 season, an option offered to players who did not want to play while the COVID-19 pandemic raged. “From my understanding they’ll all be back,” McCourty told NBC Sports’ Tom Curran on Friday. That would include standout linebacker Dont’a Hightower, tackle Marcus Cannon, safety Patrick Chung, tight end Matt LaCosse, running back Brandon Bolden, fullback Dan Vitale, receiver Marqise Lee, and guard Najee Toran. Unless the team upgrades at wideout in the coming months, Lee could instantly become the team’s best receiver if he’s active in 2021. There was some question as to whether Hightower would return next season; McCourty seems to think he will. Hightower’s return would be a crucial addition for one of the league’s most talent starved teams.

LaCosse battled knee and ankle injuries in 2019. He caught just 13 passes for 131 yards and a lone score. Ben Watson slowly edged him out as the starter and LaCosse was unable to make much of an impact by the end of the season. This sets up rookies Devin Asiasi and Dalton Keene to both see the field starting from Week 1.

LaCosse ends the 2019 season with a 13-131-1 receiving line while operating as a rotational tight end alongside veteran Ben Watson. The Patriots are a near-lock to upgrade their skill position talent after a down season, so LaCosse isn’t likely to emerge as a fantasy asset in 2020. New England could even part ways with the 28-year-old to save $1.4 million against the cap.

Ben Watson has taken over the starting job, which has lessened LaCosse’s already small role. The Patriots haven’t utilized their tight ends as receivers this season, so LaCosse is just a blocking depth option for New England when he’s healthy.

Ben Watson posted a snap rate of at least 70% for the second consecutive week with LaCosse and Ryan Izzo (concussion) still sidelined. Still, Watson saw just one target in Week 8 with Sanu now functioning as the offense’s big-bodied interior receiver. Credit to Watson for pulling down his single target for an acrobatic 26-yard gain, but he’s simply a dart throw fantasy option as the passing game’s No. 5 (at best) option in most weeks.

Recently re-signed TE Ben Watson played 62-of-82 (76%) snaps and had five targets with both LaCosse and Ryan Izzo (concussion) sidelined against the Jets. Still, we’d caution in expecting too much consistent production from Watson, as the presence of Mohamed Sanu provides the Patriots with the big-bodied inside receiver they’ve been looking for since Rob Gronkowski retired. Treat Watson as more of a high-end TE2 than a true TE1 with LaCosse and Izzo again sidelined in Week 8.

LaCosse is reportedly expected to miss at least a few weeks. TE Ryan Izzo (concussion) is also sidelined, as is WR Josh Gordon (knee). Look for recently re-signed TE Ben Watson to have a decent role, while the pass game should rely on Julian Edelman and James White more than ever.

LaCosse is dealing with a sprained MCL and is looking at an extended absence. The Patriots re-signed Ben Watson to boost the position, but Ryan Izzo is still expected to start for the team’s Monday night matchup against the Jets.