Patriots Rumors: Dion Lewis a long shot to return next season

Recent Patriots rumors have been about the contract status of Dion Lewis. Will he return next season?

With NFL free agency almost here, recent Patriots rumors have been about running back Dion Lewis.

After a great season for the New England Patriots in 2017, Lewis is arguably the best player on the team that is a free agent this offseason. Last season, Lewis was able to total 896 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns.

To start the season, Lewis wasn’t involved much in the offense and might have actually been on the roster bubble to start the season. However, the struggles of Mike Gillislee at the beginning of the season opened the door for Lewis, and he took advantage of it.

With the Pittsburgh Steelers recently placing the franchise tag on Le’Veon Bell, Lewis is now arguably the best free agent running back on the market.

While Lewis had a great season for the Patriots last season, there have been some reports that he might not have been happy with the start or finish to last season in New England.

Despite having a great second half of the regular season, Lewis wasn’t much a factor for the Patriots in the playoffs. In the AFC Championship Game, Lewis had just 34 rushing yards on nine carries with a lost fumble. While he didn’t run the ball much, he was involved in the passing game, as he totaled seven receptions. In the Super Bowl, Lewis was a non-factor, as he totaled just nine carries and no receptions.

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If the reports are true, Lewis could be on his way to another team this offseason, leaving the Patriots without one of their main offensive weapons from last season. As of now, the Patriots only have Mike Gillislee and James White under contract for next season at the running back position.

It will be interesting to see how the Patriots decide to handle their running back situation for next season, as it appears they might be losing Lewis in free agency.