The Facts: NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reports that Finley visited with the New England Patriots on Friday, according to a source informed of the situation.
Diehards Line:
ESPN's Adam Caplan had the first report of Finley's visit. The news comes after we learned the Seahawks have dropped out of the chase for the tight end, who is attempting to make a return from a serious neck injury suffered last October. Finley's doctor said last week that the tight end has gained full medical clearance after spinal fusion surgery. As NFL.com suggests, a (healthy) pairing of Rob Gronkowski and Jermichael Finley could be the making of a dynamic 1-2 punch. New England has lacked depth at the position since Aaron Hernandez's legal problems ended his run with the Pats. ... Despite the tryout, it remains to be seen if Finley would get the same clearance from the Patriots' medical staff that he got from his own doctor. We'll be watching for more.