Now that he's done in Green Bay, could Martellus Bennett come back to the Patriots?

FOXBOROUGH — Did Christmas come early for the Patriots?

On Wednesday, the Packers released veteran tight end Martellus Bennett with a “failure to disclose a medical condition designation." The popular Bennett, who caught 55 passes for 701 yards and seven touchdowns last season for New England, signed as a free agent with Green Bay this past offseason, but struggled at times in his new home.


So could he come back to New England? That one is complicated: He has had shoulder issues this season and missed last week’s game as a result. He’s also said that he’s set to retire following this season — the 30-year-old has numerous off-the-field interests, including his work as a children’s author.

In addition, despite the fact that he is a vested veteran, Bennett is subject to waivers. All vested veterans cut after the NFL's trade deadline (Oct. 31) must pass through waivers before becoming free agents. That would mean the Patriots simply can’t sign him because he was released.

But if the Patriots are interested in getting some help for Rob Gronkowski, and he’s healthy, then this is the literal definition of a football no-brainer. New England would get a proven talent with background in the system, and would represent a significant upgrade in terms of production in the passing game — beyond Gronkowski, the Patriots have gotten little at the tight end spot, as Dwayne Allen (zero catches) and Jacob Hollister (three catches) have struggled to connect with Tom Brady.

Regardless of what happens, it’ll be interesting to see how the process plays itself out in the coming days. The addition of a healthy Bennett would certainly be an upgrade in the passing game, and bring a stretch-drive jolt to the New England offense that could make a sizable difference the rest of the way.