Finding All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski is proving to be easier than finding his backup.
The New England Patriots have been searching for an understudy to Gronkowski for the better part of the past four years, and they have come away with mixed results. From veterans Daniel Fells, Michael Hoomanawanui and Scott Chandler to rookies A.J. Derby and Justin Jones, the Patriots have tried a mix of players young and old.
Some have been stopgaps for the backup spot, others have been cast off before they ever had a chance to prove or disprove their talent, but none have stuck around for more than a few years before their time with the Patriots came to an end.