Report: Patriots Showing Interest In Brian Hartline
BOSTON (CBS) -- The New England Patriots are reportedly showing some interest in free agent wide receiver Brian Hartline.
Hartline has put up solid numbers for the Miami Dolphins since being drafted in the fourth round out of Ohio State in 2009. He has 298 catches for over 4,000 yards and 12 touchdowns over his career, passing the 1,000 receiving yard mark in both 2012 and 2013. He had 39 receptions for 472 yards with a pair of touchdowns in 16 games in 2014.
Durability is one of Hartline's best assets, as he's played in all 16 games in five of his six NFL seasons.
There are plenty of teams interested in Hartline, who was released by the Dolphins due to the $5.95 million price tag he would have carried for next season. He has already visited with the Cleveland Browns and Chicago Bears, and is scheduled to meet with the Houston Texans. The door is also reportedly open for Hartline to return to Miami.
Hartline would give New England another veteran receiver, with Julian Edelman, Brandon LaFell and Danny Amendola all under contract. There's a chance Amendola could get released as a salary cap casualty, which would open up a spot for Hartline in the New England receiving corps.
