New England Patriots: 5 uniquely bold predictions for 2021 NFL offseason
New England Patriots lose James White to Tom Brady and the Buccaneers
Veteran running back James White has played his last game in a New England Patriots uniform.
As one of the team’s more reliable offseason weapons, White had a down year statically in 2020 partly due to the tragedy he endured early in the season when he lost his father in a fatal car accident.
With his mom surviving the accident, the Florida native may seek an opportunity to play for a team in the sunshine state to be closer to family. That is setting up a Tom Brady and James White reunion as the Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers will most likely be in the market for a pass-catching running back like White.
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With Damian Harris, Sony Michel and J.J. Taylor under contract, the Patriots may have a decision to make between soon-to-be free agents White and Rex Burkhead. While bringing back a team co-captain would appear to be the logical choice, money may lead Belichick away from White and to bring Burkhead back on a cheaper deal.
It may annoy fans, but White down in Tampa reunited with Brady is a uniquely bold prediction because it will be more the New England Patriots moving on from White than White simply choosing more money.
Like Shane Vereen, the Patriots will move on from White with both Michel and Taylor capable to moving into that role. In fact, Michel showcases his pass-catching skills towards the end of the season, which spelled doom for White’s future in New England.