New England Patriots Free Agency: James Develin Expected to Return

The New England Patriots will bring back one of their free agents for the 2017 season.

He may not be Dont’a Hightower, Martellus Bennett or even LeGarrette Blount, but full back James Develin played an important role for the New England Patriots in 2016.

According to Jason LaCanfora of CBS Sports, the 28-year-old Brown University alum is expected to re-sign with the Super Bowl champions within the next few days. While the length of a deal or price range will probably not be released until the signing is official, Develin is not expected to cost much.

Fully expect FB James Develin to re-sign with Pats in the next few days. Local kid will end up staying home
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 3, 2017

Despite his importance on the Patriots roster, there is not much of a market for the fullback position so his re-signing with New England is not surprising.

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Praised for his toughness by head coach Bill Belichick, Develin once again emerged in 2016 as a punishing lead blocker. He also displayed his versatility in the passing game. At times playing in the tight end position, Develin had 3 receptions for 18 yards. Not impressive numbers, but his blocking is what made him one of the unsung heroes of the 2016 season.

Running back LeGarrette Blount, who rushed for over 1,000 yards and set a franchise record in rushing touchdowns, praised the importance of Develin before the 2016 season began. As a lead blocker, he certainly helped open holes in a career season for Blount.

"“I don’t think I’ve had a bad experience of following him [through a hole] at all,” Blount said during training camp via Boston.com. “He’s one of the better fullbacks in this league. You can categorize him as an all-purpose guy, because he can catch the ball, he can run the ball, he can block. It’s always good to have a fullback who can do all those things.”"

In all, Develin’s return to the Patriots in a position that was almost extinct in the NFL shows the hard work he puts into the game. It also shows how important a fullback can still be in today’s NFL.

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While it is unclear whether Blount will be back, James Develin’s role will be just as important no matter who he is opening holes for.

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