New England Patriots: 3 Reasons Rex Burkhead is the Perfect Patriot
The New England Patriots continued their free agency hot streak with the signing of a versatile running back who should excel in Foxborough.
Add Rex Burkhead to the list of New England Patriots signings so far this free agent period.
The team announced Tuesday that they have signed the former Cincinnati Bengals running back to a one-year deal. While the exact terms of the deal have yet to be announced, the signing of Burkhead is one that makes sense for three reasons.
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First, he is a versatile running back who adds depth to the position beyond this upcoming season. The 26-year-old Burkhead should compete for playing time with current running backs Dion Lewis, James White and practice squad running back Tyler Gaffney.
While the team could still bring back LeGarrette Blount or another power-type running back, Burkhead does have the ability to serve as a four-down back. Although he made just one start, he did rush for 119 yards on 27 carries against a stout Baltimore Ravens run defense in the 2016 season finale. At 5-foot-10, 210 pounds, he proved that he does have the capability of running between the tackles, while also contributing in the passing game.
Secondly, the ability he has as a pass catcher will add even more diversity to the Patriots’ offense. Like both James White and Dion Lewis, Rex Burkhead has the ability to create matchup problems out of the backfield. A couple of former Patriots running backs he compares to are Danny Woodhead and Kevin Faulk. His 34 career pass receptions should increase tremendously while he is in New England with Tom Brady under center.
Last, but not least, he has the ability to become a core special team player. Not only was he the Bengals’ leading special-teams tackler last season, he can also return kicks. Those abilities, along with his ability to run and catch the ball out of the backfield makes him a more than viable replacement for Brandon Bolden if he does not return. His signing also adds another playmaker and possible slot receiver if Danny Amendola is not back with the team.
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Overall, Rex Burkhead does many of the things the Patriots value in a player. While the team will take advantage of those attributes, don’t be surprised if he finds a different and unique role in New England. With the current running back depth, he could serve more as a hybrid playmaker capable of producing in the running game and as a slot receiver.