Patriots rumors: Multiple teams interested in Dion Lewis

Recent Patriots rumors are that multiple teams are interested in New England Patriots running back, Dion Lewis.

The New England Patriots added a lot talent to their running back group this offseason after signing Rex Burkhead and Mike Gillislee in free agency. Joining James White, Dion Lewis and Brandon Bolden, it appeared one had to go.

All five however made the roster the Patriots 53-man roster. With the Patriots depth at that position, teams have acquired about the availability of Dion Lewis in a potential trade, according to Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald.

Howe went on to add that the Patriots “haven’t been willing to bite” on discussing a Lewis trade. The team has also not been actively shopping him.

In Thursday night’s loss to Kansas City, Lewis was on the field for just six offensive snaps. He carried the ball twice for nine yards and didn’t receive even a target in the passing game. The other pass-catching back, James White, saw 43 offensive snaps. Newcomers Mike Gillislee and Rex Burkhead saw 24 and 10 offensive snaps respectively.

Since Lewis’ arrival in 2015, he has been one of the most electric backs in the league when healthy. Lewis has piled up 1,008 yards since 2015, rushing for two scores and adding 53 catches with two receiving touchdowns. Before Thursday nights loss to Kansas City, the Patriots never lost a game Lewis suited up for.

Health has been the issue for Lewis. Midway through the 2015 season, Lewis tore his ACL and was forced to miss the first nine games of the 2016 season. The limited snap count in Thursday’s game could just be the Patriots lightening his workload to start the season.

With the trade talks around the league, it still proves Lewis has value around the league. One possible trade partner could be the Arizona Cardinals. Arizona lost pro-bowl running back David Johnson in week one for what appears to 12 weeks. The two teams have worked out blockbuster deals in the past, when New England sent Chandler Jones to the desert in 2016.

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Another possible destinations could be the AFC East rival Miami Dolphins. Other than lead back Jay Ajayi, the Dolphins lack a pass-catcher out of the backfield. The Chargers lost pass catcher Danny Woodhead in free agency and could use a Lewis-type player to replace his production; and Baltimore could use a new pass catcher after losing Woodhead to a hamstring injury in Week 1.

Update: Arizona added Patriots’ practice squad running back D.J. Foster to their 53-man roster. Foster will be part of the group to help replace David Johnson.