New England Patriots: Devonta Freeman a solid option for offense

Devonta Freeman could help the New England Patriots backfield with Sony Michel’s questionable injury status.

The New England Patriots running back situation took a hit with the injury of lead back Sony Michel.

Michel had foot surgery in May and his status for the regular season is in question.

One possible addition who might help is former Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman. Freeman is a free agent who might provide the speed and elusiveness that is lacking currently in New England’s backfield.

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While Freeman wouldn’t alleviate the Patriots need for a big back, he would seem to be a clear upgrade over the table of backs New England is ready to roll out this season. Freeman will be familiar to Patriots fans for scorching New England in the Super Bowl against Atlanta before the amazing second-half comeback by Tom Brady.

Freeman had an off-year in 2019 running for only a 3.6-yard average for 656 yards. Yet, his career average is a solid 4.2 yards per carry.

In addition, he doubles as an excellent pass-catcher out-of-the-backfield. In 2019, the 28-year old caught 59 out of 70 passes, an 84.3% catch percentage. His career catch percentage is a healthy 79.3%.

With the likely introduction of an RPO offense led by Cam Newton, Freeman could be a welcome addition to the Patriots backfield as both a run and catch option. In tandem with James White, he’d provide two top dual-threat options and deliver even more headaches for New England’s oppositions’ defenses.

Freeman’s speed and elusiveness are also two traits currently lacking in New England’s backfield. He’s a big-play threat on the run and through the air, an attribute that the Patriots sorely needed in 2019 and didn’t get.

Freeman has scored 43 touchdowns in his 6-year NFL career and would probably emerge as New England’s best asset in short-yardage even though he’s not the biggest back at 5’8″ and 206 pounds. New England has done nothing to ameliorate their inability in 2019 to pick up a yard or two in short-yardage situations, a fact that may very well have cost them their season.

A back should have been and still is a priority for New England. While not a big power back, Freeman would still likely be the best short-yardage option for New England. He would provide speed and elusiveness in the running game and another top receiving option out of the backfield along with White.

Freeman is definitely worth a flier for New England, especially with Michel’s injury situation. They should sign him to provide another option for Newton. He’d be a solid addition.