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New England Patriots: Dion Lewis named immediate impact free agent

By Nick Ziegler

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels talks with Dion Lewis #33 prior to Super Bowl LII against the Philadelphia Eagles at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels talks with Dion Lewis #33 prior to Super Bowl LII against the Philadelphia Eagles at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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Recently, Pro Football Focus listed their Top 10 immediate impact free agents. Who made the list from the New England Patriots?

With the NFL offseason here, Pro Football Focus recently named the Top 10 immediate impact free agents in this year’s class. For the New England Patriots, cornerback Malcolm Butler made the list as one of the top players at his position. However, so did running back Dion Lewis after a great season with the Patriots.

The play of Lewis was one of the best surprises for the Patriots this season, as he took over primary running back duties midway through the season. With a struggling rushing attack for the first few games, Lewis ended up becoming the No.1 runner, and the Patriots’ season took off.

Lewis having a great season certainly came at a good time for him, as he is a free agent this offseason. With the running back class being rather weak after Le’Veon Bell, Lewis could be in for a big payday this offseason. Lewis having a breakout season in a contract year came at a very good time.

Recently, Pro Football Focus named Lewis as one of the top immediate impact free agents this offseason. Here’s what they had to say about the talented runner.

"Lewis had an excellent 2017, and it was a season where he didn’t just bounce back from injury but proved he could be a bell-cow ball carrier despite being relatively short of stature. Lewis ended the season with an overall grade of 87.2, good enough to rank fifth in the league."

In 2017, Lewis totaled 896 rushing yards, six rushing touchdowns, 214 receiving yards, and three receiving touchdowns. Toward the end of the season, Lewis proved that he could be a three-down back for the Patriots. With James White and Rex Burkhead both out, Lewis really stepped up for the Patriots.

Next: Ranking Top 5 playoff performers from 2017

At just 27-years-old, Lewis is still very much in his prime and should be able to build off his career year in 2017. While the Patriots would certainly love to keep him, it will be interesting to see how much they are willing to pay for him. As one of the top immediate impact free agents, Lewis will certainly be getting a good deal from someone this offseason.

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