Patriots gridiron news: Dion Lewis looking to get paid in 2018
New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis is expected to test free agency this offseason and is looking for a big payday.
Dion Lewis is coming off a career year with the New England Patriots and is ready for a big pay day.
The versatile, elusive running back finished the 2017 regular season fully healthy. With 180 carries for 896 yards and six touchdowns, Lewis showed the Patriots and the rest of the NFL just what he can do as a featured back.
With his contract set to expire in New England, the timing couldn’t have been any better for Lewis to finally have a complete season. According to Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald, Lewis will be looking for a three-year, $18 million deal with $10 million guaranteed just to avoid free agency.
That scenario appears unlikely for a New England Patriots team that typically don’t spend that kind of money on a running back. Given Lewis’ injury history and amount of depth the team has at the running back position, it appears the University of Pittsburgh alum will get his big payday elsewhere.
Lewis will have interest
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Of the teams interested in Lewis, the Pittsburgh Steelers could be an option if they are unable to sign Le’Veon Bell. Teams like the San Francisco 49ers, Washington Redskins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers could be in high pursuit of Dion Lewis.
If the team does lose Lewis as expected, look for the Patriots to re-sign Rex Burkhead and perhaps draft a running back in the late rounds of the NFL draft or take a chance on a low cost running back in free agency.
Both James White and Mike Gillislee are under contract in 2018. With a lot to prove, Gillislee could expand his role with the team and more than make up for the production left void by Dion Lewis.
Tom Brady is onto 2018
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is onto 2018 is looks to be already over last Sunday’s 41-33 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII. Take a look at his Instagram post below:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BfE4zZ-B6Tv/?taken-by=tombrady
Despite throwing for 505 yards and three touchdowns, the 2017 NFL MVP will only remember the play in which he was strip sacked by Eagles linebacker Brandon Graham. The crucial play came with just over two minutes left in the game and the Patriots driving for the potential go ahead score.
The 40-year-old quarterback will be extra motivated to get back to the big game, especially if he works out a contract extension with the team this offseason.
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Following the Super Bowl, Brady made it clear that he does indeed plan to return as he did show throughout the playoffs that he can still compete at a high level.