New England Patriots: 5 unrestricted free agents team must re-sign in 2021

James White can still be a reliable target in the New England Patriots offense.

Has White played his last game in a New England Patriots uniform?

It is quite possible given the recent history of pass-catching running backs looking to get paid.  Shane Vereen had similar production while playing for the Patriots and signed with the New York Giants, but he did have James White behind him.

Unless the team sees something in undrafted rookie J.J. Taylor, there really isn’t a player ready to take over for White.  Although his production declined in 2020, there is still a value for James White, especially if there is a new quarterback under center going into next season.

As a viable outlet target for Tom Brady, the Patriots may be outbid if the former quarterback wants to bring him down to Tampa, but they really should try to re-sign him because of the respect he has in the locker room both on and off the field.

Due to his lack of production in 2020, the New England Patriots may also get a more motivated White in 2021, which would be good for an offense trying to re-establish an identity.

"“I didn’t necessarily have the production I necessarily wanted to have, but that happens sometimes,” White told the media last Monday, via CBS Boston.  “Use it as motivation for next season to find ways to improve and find a way to be more productive.”"

Hopefully, that production comes in a Patriots uniform in 2021.