Patriots: 4 players New England needs to extend before 2020 concludes
1. RB James White
It wouldn’t be the sexiest signing, but James White needs to remain a Patriot.
If anybody in New England disagrees with this, then we have to say you’re not a real Patriots fan. James White, the former fourth-round pick out of Wisconsin, has been a constant in the offense ever since getting regular playing time in 2015, and his skill set is essential in making this unit dynamic.
A pass-catching back of his caliber is pretty rare, especially when you consider how well he runs the ball (4.1 yards per attempt). But his rushing skills aren’t what the team needs him for. Hopefully Damien Harris can provide another boost in that department, but White is the undisputed third-down back and he simply cannot be stopped.
He’s had career years in 2018 and 2019, and has recorded 2,809 receiving yards on 320 receptions (good for an average of 8.8 yards per catch) with 24 touchdowns (12 of which have come the past two years). Those numbers might not blow the average fan away, but how many times has White been there to bail the Pats out of a slump on offense?
Screen passes, checkdowns, outside routes to beat the linebackers … whatever you need, White can deliver. He’s got 159 receptions over the last two years, which are pretty much wide receiver numbers, and when you factor in the likely departure of Rex Burkhead and the question marks surrounding Sony Michel, White is the constant the Patriots need.
The man also lives for the postseason. He’s helped the team to two Super Bowl wins, and in 12 career postseason games, he has 59 receptions for 506 yards and three touchdowns, one of which capped off the epic comeback against the Falcons.
The 28-year-old is only getting better and still has plenty left in the tank.
