The New England Patriots have acquired Houston Texans wide receiver Keshawn Martin through a trade, according to Tania Ganguli of ESPN.
Martin was rarely used in Houston, but the Patriots have a habit of taking unknown players and turning them into legitimate threats. In three seasons with the Texans, Martin has caught 38 receptions for 416 yards, with three touchdowns. Under head coach Gary Kubiak, Martin was used as a slot receiver, but saw fewer snaps when Bill O'Brien became head coach.
Martin was a top receiver at Michigan State, and he put up strong numbers his senior year before going to the NFL. In 2011 with the Spartans he recorded 66 catches for 777 yards.
Before this trade, the Patriots only had three receivers on their 53-man roster. Julian Edelman, Danny Amendola, and Aaron Dobson are the three active receivers, but it's interesting that the Patriots didn't bring Kenbrell Thompkins up from the practice squad, as he has put in time with this offense before.
Bill Belichick is a genius when it comes to developing players, especially ones everyone has forgotten about. Julian Edelman was a seventh round draft pick by New England and he has turned into one of the best slot receivers in the game. It is unlikely Martin makes this jump by joining the Patriots, but don't count out Belichick's creativity, as he has brought out the best in players countless times.
Martin could also fill in for Edelman or Amendola as a return man, probably to prevent injuries to his top receivers. Tight End Rob Gronkowski is obviously quarterback Tom Brady's first target, but defenses are likely to start double teaming him if his dominance continues. With Gronkowski and Edelman likely heavily covered, there will be space for Martin to make plays.
The Patriots play the Buffalo Bills Sunday, and it will be interesting to see how Belichick uses his new receiver.
