New England Patriots: Big back options for revamped offense
New England Patriots options for big backs in free agency
One big back with whom the New England Patriots have been linked is Leonard Fournette, 26, of the Super Bowl-winning Tampa Bay Bucs. He has the size required at 228 pounds and would give the Patriots an inside option on short-yardage plays.
Fournette only rushed or 397 yards on 97 carries for a 3.8-yard average in 2020. Yet, importantly, he scored six touchdowns for the Bucs on their way to a title.
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Fournette is still only 26 years old and has two 1000-yard seasons under his belt in his four-year NFL career. No Patriots back currently on the team can say that.
Fournette would certainly be an upgrade on anyone currently on the roster in short-yardage and would at least take some of the burden off Newton to carry that load, both literally and figuratively.
Fournette can also catch the ball as he had 76 receptions in 2019 for Jacksonville and 46 for Tampa last season. He’d also add to recently re-signed James White as a pass-catcher in the backfield.
Overall, he’s a better option for New England than White and will allow the Patriots to avoid picking up the fifth-year option on Sony Michel who has been oft-injured and inconsistent.
New England should splash the cash on Fournette. If they can get him performing up to his potential and past history, he will be a tremendous addition to the offense and a great complement to Cam Newton.
If it takes a trade of Michel to free up cash for this move, the Patriots should move forward expeditiously. No time to wait.
Newton’s running ability last season carried him to 12 rushing touchdowns (he also had a receiving score). But, putting that burden on Newton too often can result in overuse and injury. It’s not a great policy if another good option is available. Fournette would provide just that.