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Patriots free agency: James Starks, Clay Harbor visit

By Connor Fulton

Aug 13, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Green Bay Packers running back James Starks (44) runs the ball against the New England Patriots during the first half in a preseason NFL football game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 13, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Green Bay Packers running back James Starks (44) runs the ball against the New England Patriots during the first half in a preseason NFL football game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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Patriots free agency James Starks
Aug 13, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Green Bay Packers running back James Starks (44) runs the ball against the New England Patriots during the first half in a preseason NFL football game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

There continues to be New England Patriots free agency news on Thursday afternoon, as the Patriots brought in running back James Starks and tight end Clay Harbor for visits:

Chris Hogan and Benny Cunningham also visited New England on Thursday.

Starks is certainly intriguing. In the event that the Patriots move on from LeGarrette Blount, they could really use an accomplished veteran back like Starks to take carries. Even if Blount sticks around, the Patriots could use some depth at running back, as both Dion Lewis and James White are better used as pass catchers out of the backfield.

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Starks is coming off a career year having carried the ball 148 times for 601 yards and two scores in 2015. In addition, Starks caught 43 passes for 392 yards and three touchdowns Plus, he has a Super Bowl ring on his finger, so he knows what it takes to reach football’s promise land.

As for Harbor, you can bet that he’s looking for a new employer after being underutilized for three years with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Patriots have a hole to fill at tight end behind Rob Gronkowski, and they can get away with signing a guy who isn’t a great blocker, as they have Michael Williams to fill that role.

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This writer is more excited at the thought of Starks joining the Patriots backfield than Harbor coming in as the No. 2 tight end. A running back group of Blount, Starks, Lewis, White and Brandon Bolden would be just fine.

That being said, there’s a reason Bill Belichick is interested in Harbor, as noted by CSNNE.com’s Phil Perry:

We’ll see what, if anything, happens regarding the four players that visited Foxboro today.

Next: Ranking the Top 22 Free Agency Targets for the Pats

Stay tuned here on Musket Fire for coverage on every twist and turn in the Patriots’ offseason.

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