Let’s face it: The New England Patriots are the main favorites to win the Super Bowl LII.
Not only they are coming off a stellar comeback win in the last Super Bowl against the Atlanta Falcons. Somehow, the Patriots managed to improve on both ends of the field during the offseason. They signed the top cornerback in Stephon Gilmore, and added a huge receiving threat in Brandin Cooks. They improved their depth at TE with the arrival of Dwayne Allen. And they also re-signed their top free agent in Dont’a Hightower.
However, if there’s one thing the Patriots need is a competent running back. They don’t need a stellar player at tailback, though. They just need someone with experience who can get the job done. Without further ado, here are three free agent RBs that could be decent additions to the Patriots’ offense before the start of the 2017 season.
LeGarrette Blount: This is the obvious choice. Blount is a veteran RB who can adapt to several roles, but he’s better suited to be a power runner. He already played with New England this past season, and was nothing short of outstanding. Blount led the NFL in rushing touchdowns last year with 18. He already knows the system, and would be quite a fit. But both parties need to reach an agreement – otherwise a deal just won’t happen.
DeAngelo Williams: DeAngelo Williams already knows what is like to play with a contending team after spending the last two years with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He fits the mold of a veteran, experienced player who can adjust to a situational role. But the main question is whether he will want to sign with New England. He has enough left in the tank for one or two more years, but he hasn’t decided about his future yet. There’s no question the Patriots would benefit if they have someone like him on the backfield.
Adrian Peterson: Okay, this might be a bit of a reach. But can anyone deny Adrian Peterson’s talent? He didn’t have a good season last year due to injuries, but he led the NFL in rushing yards with 1,485 in 2015. The arrival of Latavius Murray to Minnesota ended his stint with the Vikings, and Peterson already said he wants to play with a contender. Both parties seem to be an obvious match, but can both reach an agreement that makes everyone happy? The presence of James White and Dion Lewis is not going to make Peterson an indispensable part of the Patriots’ offense, and he might want to sign with a team that gives him a prominent role.
Other running backs such as Jamaal Charles, Rashad Jennings and Tim Hightower are available as well. There’s no question the Patriots will eventually sign someone to bolster their rushing attack, but one thing is certain: they shouldn’t have problems to transform an average player into a productive piece of the offense. After all, there’s a reason why the Pats have been the NFL’s most successful franchise over the past 15 years.