6 Offseason Moves the Patriots Must Make to Return to the Playoffs Next Season

3. Find a younger RB2

Following a long offseason, Ezekiel Elliott found his new home with the Patriots. The No. 4 overall pick out of Ohio State led the league in rushing twice while playing for the Dallas Cowboys but had lost a step. That was why he was released but the Patriots knew he still had something left in the tank.

Zeke entered the year as the No. 2 back behind Rhamondre Stevenson but started five games in place of the top running back. That was enough for him to end the year as their lead rusher, finishing with 642 yards and three touchdowns. With his 313 receiving yards added, Elliott fell shy of 1,000 yards from scrimmage by just five yards.

It was more than expected but he didn’t have a great average per touch. With just 3.5 yards per rushing attempt and 6.1 per reception, Elliott had a mere 4.1 yards per touch. That’s why the Patriots would do better to add a No. 2 back with fresh legs and allow Elliott to again test free agency.

There are a few options in free agency but the smart money is on a rookie. Knowing Stevenson can perform at a high level when healthy, New England could look to Day 2 for someone such as Braelon Allen out of Wisconsin or perhaps Bucky Irving from Oregon who would be a potential home run hitter. What they can’t do is run it back with the guys they had. This offense needs some juice and adding a younger running back could provide that.