Dwayne Allen was ‘a bit shocked’ by trade to Patriots

Five-year NFL veteran Dwayne Allen was traded to New England Wednesday.bill kostroun/AP

Dwayne Allen has hardly had enough time to make an impression on his new teammates. But some of them already have made an impression on him.

The Patriots’ newest tight end said Friday he’s looking forward to working with Tom Brady, whom he called “the GOAT” and teaming up with Rob Gronkowski, whom he said, “is the best tight end in the National Football League, so I think there is a lot that I can learn from him.’’

Allen, who was acquired Wednesday from the Colts in exchange for a fourth-round pick, takes the place of Martellus Bennett, who is still in search of a new team.

Allen, a five-year veteran, said he was initially shocked at learning he was traded, even though fellow tight end Jack Doyle had been extended by Indianapolis Tuesday.

“I believe that there was room for two tight ends, but [Colts general manager] Chris [Ballard] had other plans, and I’m sure that it’s within his plan to rebuild the Colts organization,’’ said Allen, who called Doyle “one of the greatest teammates I’ve ever been around.’’

Allen was working out at his alma mater, Clemson, when he found out about the trade.

“Of course initially, [I was] a bit shocked,’’ he said. “I did not know I was going to be traded to the New England Patriots, but after the initial shock wore off, then came some excitement and definitely a lot of joy.’’