New England Patriots: Ranking top 5 veteran free agent signings in 2020
No. 3 Danny Vitale – FB
The New England Patriots must’ve known something about the sudden James Develin retirement when they signed former Green Bay Packers fullback Danny Vitale in free agency.
A favorite of Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the Northwestern product will help fans get over the loss of Devlin with his versatility as a fullback who can catch the ball out of the backfield.
That is the perhaps the one area James Develin lacked a bit, although the team did flex him out at tight end from time to time. With Vitale, the Patriots have a player who could also serve as a hybrid fullback/tight end who will catch some passes.
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In 15 games with the Packers last season, he started four games with seven receptions for 97 yards.
Just a one-year deal, I see this signing as one that can be most beneficial for a team starting a young quarterback like Jarrett Stidham. Not only will the running game be emphasized to help his development, a short passing game will be the emphasis of the Patriots passing game.
Danny Vitale will help in both of those areas and it wouldn’t be surprising if he has a similar impact to that of James Develin as far as blocking and more of an impact as a pass catcher. I see a lot of the late Kevin Turner in the New England Patriots newest versatile fullback.