Less than a year removed from a torn ACL suffered on a hit to his left knee during the 2019 preseason, Lamar Miller has reached an agreement to sign with the New England Patriots. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed and the signing is pending the results of a physical.
New England was reportedly the first team to reach out to Miller, who posted several videos of a recent workout to social media sites in lieu of an in-person workout, which were barred under COVID-19 restrictions at the time. The video shows him in numerous footwork drills, making cuts, and running sprints.
Just working! 🤙🏾 pic.twitter.com/IZAKYfDiUF
— Lamar Miller (@millertime_6) July 9, 2020
The 29-year-old Pro Bowler spent four years with the Dolphins and three in Houston before missing 2019. In 2018, his last season as a Texan, he totaled 973 yards rushing and had 25 catches for another 163 in the passing game over 14 games (all starts). For his career, Miller has accounted for 7,429 total yards and 40 touchdowns over seven seasons.
The value of the contract remains to be seen, although it is difficult to believe the Patriots would offer more than the veteran minimum for any player coming off a significant injury. That said, it would not be unheard of for a snap-count incentive to be worked in, as well. This appears to be little more than a dart throw; there’s not a whole lot to lose to get an extra body into camp, and even at his age, it will pay off in spades if he has some juice after being off last season.
With Sony Michel recovering from offseason foot surgery and likely to remain on the PUP list into the start of the season, New England is looking at all options for added insurance at running back. They have never been shy about using a committee approach, and Miller will come into a typically crowded backfield situation. Second-year player Damien Harris, pass-catching specialist James White, and Rex Burkhead (among others) will all vie for extra reps until Michel is ready to play.
This was already a backfield situation most fantasy players were avoiding due to the uncertainty of how the carries will go around. Belichick has a tendency to favor those players who already know the system and have performed in it, so it’s safe to say at this stage that when Michel returns from PUP he will likely see the bulk of the early-down carries. With Harris potentially seeing more chances than in 2019 and White filling his familiar role, Miller is a likely casualty when the rest of the running backs are fully healthy, barring a setback to Michel’s progress or an extremely impressive camp performance.
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