FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Sometimes the New England Patriots lose out on signing an undrafted free agent, but they still track the player in hopes of acquiring him in the future.
Such is the case with tight end Asante Cleveland.
“Initially, I thought I was going to the Patriots,” recalled Cleveland, 23, of his decision-making process following the 2014 draft.
The Patriots had shown considerable interest, which included scout Frantzy Jourdain putting Cleveland through drills at Miami’s pro day. But when the team also signed undrafted free-agent tight end Asa Watson, who had played with Cleveland in the NFLPA All-Star Game, Cleveland elected to sign with the 49ers instead.