Half-Dozen Teams In “Quiet Pursuit” Of Free Agent TE Jermichael Finley

According to Mike Freeman of the Bleacher Report, there are a “half-dozen teams in quiet pursuit” of free agent TE Jermichael Finley.

Teams reportedly view Finley as an “explosive force,” but would first like to examine his surgically repaired spine before offering him a contract.

Freeman adds that “the belief around the sport” is that Finley will eventually sign a minimal salary contract for some team.

Freeman expects this team to be the Patriots, who actually brought Finley in for a visit late last week.

• Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, citing a league source, reported Sunday night that the Seahawks are no longer an option for Finley, even though he has finally received medical clearance.
• The Giants and Packers have also come up as potential options for Finley.

Finley is coming off of a spinal fusion surgery, but his agent, Blake Baratz, told Pro Football Talk on Thursday of last week that his client has received full medical clearance.

As things stand right now, New England has Rob Gronkowski, Michael Hoomanawanui, D.J. Williams and Justin Jones as their top-four tight ends, so it would make plenty of sense for them to bring in some extra competition ahead of training camp.

We have Finley listed as the No. 1 player in our recently updated Top 50 – Best Available Free Agents list.