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Patriots free agency: Who will be this year’s Jabaal Sheard?

By Connor Fulton

Dec 20, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Jabaal Sheard (93) reacts after a play against the Tennessee Titans in the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Jabaal Sheard (93) reacts after a play against the Tennessee Titans in the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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Patriots free agency Donald Brown
Dec 20, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Miami Dolphins free safety Michael Thomas (31) and cornerback Brent Grimes (21) chase down San Diego Chargers running back Donald Brown (34) as he gains 53 yards in the fourth quarter of the game at Qualcomm Stadium. Chargers won 30-14. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Donald Brown

Chances of being this year’s Sheard: 2/10

The problem with Brown, you see, is that the Patriots already have two running backs who essentially do the same thing. Dion Lewis and James White are both slippery open-field ball carriers who are better catching the ball than taking handoffs (although Lewis did have a 4.8 yards per carry average last year).

MUST-READ: 6 remaining free agents Patriots should mull over

Especially if the Patriots eventually re-sign LeGarrette Blount, there just won’t be room for Brown on the final roster. Lewis and White aren’t going anywhere; neither is special teams ace and all-around perfect Patriot Brandon Bolden, who provides depth as a ball carrier himself.

Brown surely is an intriguing signing, but it’s hard to see him breaking into the Patriots’ backfield.

Next: 5. Frank Kearse

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