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Brent Celek could be targeted by the Patriots as a replacement for Aaron Hernandez

(Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports)

It is an ugly truth in sports that no matter what is happening off the field, the game always goes on.

Aaron Hernandez being released by the New England Patriots and arrested in a matter of minutes on Wednesday is just the first step in what is surely going to be a long process for the former NFL player. While what happens with Hernandez will be decided in court, the reality is that the Patriots now find themselves without one of their best players, and someone who was key in their offensive attack.

When the dust settles from the Hernandez saga, the Patriots are going to need to replenish their tight end position. With Hernandez gone and Rob Gronkowski recovering from surgery, the Patriots suddenly find themselves in desperate need of a tight end.

Which brings us to the Eagles.

If there are two positions the Eagles are deep at, it is tight end and quarterback. They have veteran Brent Celek, newcomer James Casey, rookie Zach Ertz, and backup Clay Harbor. Even with Celek returning as the starter (penciled in at least), the Eagles should spread the ball among between Celek, Ertz and Casey. Despite Chip Kelly planning to use a lot of two tight end sets, the Eagles don't need to carry all four on the roster, and likely won't.

It has been well-documented that Kelly and Patriots coach Bill Belichick have a close relationship, with the two planning to practice together this summer. Kelly has also talked about meeting with Belichick frequently during his time at Oregon. Could they make a deal?

It is unlikely that the Eagles would be open to moving either Ertz or Casey, but Celek and Harbor figure to be two players they would move if the price is right. In Celek, the Patriots would get a veteran starter who has proven to be a threat in the passing game. He is not as athletic as Gronkowski or Hernandez, but they could certainly do worse when it comes to pass-catching tight ends. Harbor is probably the more athletic of the two, and while he isn't as proven as Celek, he certainly has some upside.

The reality also is that both Celek and Harbor probably could be had for cheap. Celek was inherited by Kelly, not hand picked like Ertz and Casey. If the Patriots called and offered a mid-round pick, it's likely the Eagles would at least listen.

It is all speculation at this point, with the real news involving Hernandez still yet to play out.

Once the Patriots get back to football, however, don't be surprised if the Eagles are one of the first teams they call.

Follow Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks