Report: Patriots sign Seferian-Jenkins, bring in Demaryius Thomas for visit

The New England Patriots have inked free-agent tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins to a one-year deal, ESPN's Field Yates reported, citing a source. The move fills a void on the Patriots' depth chart after Rob Gronkowski retired following Super Bowl LIII.

New England also brought in wide receiver Demaryius Thomas and running back T.J. Yeldon for free-agent visits Wednesday, Yates added.

The Patriots are in desperate need of more skill-position talent, and Thomas, while coming off a torn Achilles, is a known commodity who was drafted by New England offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels while with the Denver Broncos in 2010.

The Patriots reportedly chased tight end Jared Cook in free agency but lost his services to the New Orleans Saints. The team also pursued wideout Adam Humphries, but couldn't get him to renege on his agreement with the Tennessee Titans.

Seferian-Jenkins has yet to play a full 16-game schedule over his five seasons in the league. He spent 2018 with the Jacksonville Jaguars, getting into five games while recording 11 receptions for 90 yards and one touchdown. His career highs in each receiving category came in 2015 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21 catches, 338 yards, four touchdowns).

The tight end took to Instagram shortly after the reported deal: