Every offseason, veteran free agents are linked to the New England Patriots with the idea that a reclamation project could be in store.
That’s the case again this year as running back Devonta Freeman, who just hired Drew Rosenhaus as his new agent, is on the hunt to sign a new contract by the end of July.
“We want to work out a deal in the immediate future, and we are open to any team,” Rosenhaus said, “He’s healthy, he’s in shape, and I’m on a mission to have him give a team a lift in late July.”
In order to make a contract work, Freeman will surely have to lower his asking price.
The Patriots should be interested in Freeman due to their depth issues at the position. Sony Michel just underwent an undisclosed foot surgery back in May and is not really a No. 1 running back. The Patriots also have longtime veteran James White, whose role with the team seems to get smaller by the passing years.
2019 wasn’t a breakout year for Freeman (3.6 yards per carry and 46.9 yards per game) as he only ran the ball 13.1 times per game. However, he still contributed 59 receptions, 410 receiving yards, and a total of six touchdowns.
Freeman is still a dual-threat back who completed a ridiculous run between 2015 and 2017 that featured 3,000 rushing yards, 1,357 receiving yards and 35 total touchdowns. He has proven that he can juice up an offense and even carry it in spurts.
All in all, whenever a veteran’s price tag enters a reasonable range, the Patriots look to pounce. They just increased their buying power after settling compensation grievances with Antonio Brown and the late Aaron Hernandez. They don’t have a standout running back on their roster, and Sony Michel is coming off foot surgery. Freeman’s abilities as a rusher and receiver could be an asset for this roster and give Newton more room to breathe.
