Amendola brushes aside Patriots chatter

Share

Danny Amendola is still a St. Louis Ram. And, as such, he knows where his bread is buttered.

"The Patriots? Interested in me? Ha! You joke."

Last month, murmurs of Amendola being on the Patriots radar were strong.

There was logic behind it.

Amendola is the second coming of Wes Welker. He is a restricted free agent who can be had for a second-round pick and a new contract. Welker and the Patriots remain divided on a deal that will keep the brilliant slot receiver on the team past this season. And Amendola's skill set is well-known by former Rams offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.

And there were rumors behind it.
Yet when multiple sources were pressed hard about the Patriots interest in Amendola, their urgent reluctance to confirm or deny suggested something was afoot. Reading tone when covering the Patriots is, unfortunately, a necessary part of the job.

The level of interest and conversation the Patriots had regarding Amendola -- if any -- did not advance past exploratory.

New England has addressed its needs and Amendola is now chuckling at the notion of Patriots' interest.

"It was just kind of humorous to me," Amendola said. "My agent actually called me. He was like, 'What's the deal? People are calling me wondering if you're in Boston, or if you're going to be a Patriot.' "

He explained he was in the area for "a week or two" because he spent time with family around Boston after attending the funeral of an aunt in Maine.

Amendola is working back from a dislocated elbow suffered last season. He was at the Rams' facility for voluntary workouts this week.

Unless he signs a long-term deal with the Rams instead of the RFA tender, he will be an unrestricted free agent next March.

Contact Us