Patriots News: Running back Jeremy Hill visiting team
In recent New England Patriots news, we learn another player, running back Jeremy Hill, will be visiting the team Friday.
Recent New England Patriots news hasn’t been overly positive. The organization has been hit hard by departures this offseason on the roster and coaching staff.
Defensive coordinator Matt Patricia left to take over the head coaching job with the Detroit Lions. Also leaving from the defensive is cornerback, Malcolm Butler. Butler signed with the Tennessee Titans.
Butler isn’t the only Patriots player heading to Tennessee. He will be joined by running back, Dion Lewis. Also departing from New England this offseason is wide receiver Danny Amendola and left tackle Nate Solder.
The losses in free agency are piling up, but you know New England will bounce back; they always do. They have a plan in place to help fill the holes on the roster, some of which have already been made.
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The Patriots have completed two trades with the Cleveland Browns this offseason. In the first one, they acquired run-stuffing defensive lineman, Danny Shelton. Shelton graded out well as a run stopper last season according to Pro Football Focus, ranking No. 19.
In the second deal with Cleveland, the Patriots acquired cornerback Jason McCourty. McCourty will help fill the void left by Butler, at a much cheaper price tag. He will also be reunited with his twin brother, safety Devin McCourty.
Now, the Patriots look to be ready to get into free agency. They are hosting defensive lineman Adrian Clayborn for a visit. Clayborn would bring a much-needed pass rushing presence.
In addition to Clayborn, the Patriots are also hosting running back, Jeremy Hill. Hill, formerly of the Cincinnati Bengals, will be visiting the Patriots today according to ESPN’s Field Yates.
Source: former Bengals RB Jeremy Hill is visiting the Patriots tomorrow.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 16, 2018
Hill would be a solid replacement for Lewis. He would undoubtedly come cheaper, but would also help replace what the team lost when they didn’t re-sign LeGarrette Blount last offseason. In four seasons, Hill has 29 rushing touchdowns. He has also proven to be competent catching the ball out of the backfield with 67 receptions in his career.
Hill battled injuries last season, appearing in only seven games. The situation in Cincinnati was a messy one in the backfield, so a change of scenery would probably do him some good.
Hill would be a nice, cost-efficient signing for the Patriots. Being in a three-player timeshare last season wasn’t helping anyone, so he should be hungry to prove himself once again.
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Hill was a second-round pick of the Bengals in 2014, being selected No. 55 overall. He is still only 25-years old, so there should be plenty left in the tank with 704 carries in four seasons.