New England Patriots Need to Address Their Future Running Back Situation
2018 Free Agents (That New England Would Realistically Sign)
The Patriots will almost certainly be looking for a free agent running back in 2018. Of course, New England could choose to re-sign one of their own running backs in Rex Burkhead, Dion Lewis or James White. Outside of those three, there will be plenty of other free agent options available.
Isaiah Crowell, Cleveland Browns
2016 Stats: 198 attempts, 952 yards, 7 touchdowns, 40 receptions, 319 yards
Isaiah Crowell is a wasted talent in Cleveland. The Browns are not winning anytime soon, so surely he will look to move on. On a terrible team, Crowell ran for nearly 1,000 yards last season and was extremely productive out of the backfield as a pass catcher. He caught 40 balls and amassed 300 yards as a receiver. Crowell seems like a great fit for the New England Patriots.
Mike Gillislee, Buffalo Bills
2016 Stats: 101 attempts, 577 yards, 8 touchdowns, 9 receptions, 50 yards
The Patriots may have had an interest in Gillislee this season, and they may look to steal him from their division rival in 2018. Gillislee also has the skills to catch the ball out of the backfield, creating a more versatile dynamic when he’s on the field.
Jeremy Hill, Cincinnati Bengals
2016 Stats: 222 attempts, 839 yards, 9 touchdowns, 21 receptions, 174 yards
Depending on how the 2017 season goes, Jeremy Hill could be the best free agent running back available in 2018. If the Patriots don’t find a starter in this year’s NFL Draft expect them to be all in on Jeremy Hill next offseason.
Carlos Hyde, San Francisco 49ers
2016 Stats: 217 attempts, 988 yards, 6 touchdowns, 27 receptions, 163 yards, 3 touchdowns
Carlos Hyde is too good of a player to be stuck on the 49ers roster. They are rebuilding and have plenty of potential, but if they falter in 2017 Hyde will likely explore other options. He can rush and receive like others on this list as well.
Next: Latest Patriots Mock Draft
There are plenty of options for the New England Patriots at the running back position in 2017 or 2018, so look for them to sign a starting caliber runner at some time in the near future.