Patriots 2020 player profile and outlook: RB James White

One of the most underrated players on the New England Patriots roster every season, running back James White is finally playing in a contract year in 2020.

James White has been an absolute steal for the New England Patriots.

After finishing out his rookie deal, he signed a three-year, $12 million contract extension in 2017. That means he’s been playing for $4 million a season for the Patriots — pocket change when you consider his immense value to the team during that span.

Consider that in 2018, White set new career highs for himself in both rushing (425 yards) and receiving (751 yards). He was instrumental in helping New England reach their third straight Super Bowl that year, and he earned his third Super Bowl ring in the process.

White is of course best known for his first Super Bowl ring-winning performance. He probably should have earned MVP for his heroic efforts in Super Bowl LI, honestly.

But anyone who thinks White was just a flash in the pan that Super Sunday is sorely mistaken.

His rushing yards came down last year (263 yards), but his receiving total was still extremely impressive — especially considering he plays running back (645 yards). In fact, White finished second on the Patriots in receiving in 2019 behind only Julian Edelman.

He’s still just 28 years old as well. White has been remarkably durable throughout his career, despite all the usage he regularly gives to his team each season. He’s played in at least 14 regular season games now in five straight seasons.

Best-case scenario projection for 2020

White is probably looking for one more big payday if he can nab it. After this season concludes, he’ll be a free agent — and there are sure to be plenty of suitors who will be interested in his services, including the Patriots of course.

If he’s smart, he’ll do everything in his power to make this contract year his best yet. His dream scenario has to include eclipsing his previous career highs in rushing and receiving. The rushing component may be difficult given the logjam of running backs in New England this season (Sony Michel, Rex Burkhead, Damien Harris, Brandon Bolden), but it’s still possible should injuries or ineffectiveness affect those other names.

Setting a new receiving high for himself might be more realistic. It’s not crazy to imagine Jarrett Stidham dumping the ball off to White as his safety valve, particularly given the Patriots’ unknowns at tight end in 2020.

Worst-case scenario projection for 2020

A serious injury would be the worst possible thing — and at the worst possible time — for White in 2020.

He’s largely managed to go the bulk of his NFL career without really getting seriously hurt. That hopefully doesn’t change this year, but if it does, it would be terrible timing.

Teams that would otherwise be interested in offering him a lucrative contract — probably for the most money he’ll make as a professional football player — would obviously shy away entirely from giving him a deal if he’s hurt.

Hopefully, for both the Patriots’ sake and for White’s, he makes it through 2020 unscathed. And on top of that, from a New England perspective, hopefully they find a way to re-sign him to a new deal next spring — he’s that valuable.